Sharletta Marie McLaughlin

Sharletta Marie McLaughlin, of Moore, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 56, following her valiant battles with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving and devoted family, who stood by her side throughout her journey. Sharletta was born on January 13, 1967 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to parents Dalton and Janice (Dawley) Spell. Throughout her life she had many passions. She had a love for painting, a love for shopping, and a wanderlust for travel. She was the epitome of a "girly girl," adoring pedicures and the finer things in life. She met and married the love of her life, James McLaughlin, and soon they began raising their children. Sharletta embarked on a life dedicated to service and advocacy. Her career began as a teacher, educating young minds in history for a decade within Moore Public Schools. Her passion for education advocacy emerged in the 1990s, a path she courageously paved. Sharletta's life took a profound turn when she faced her initial breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 37. She channeled her strength into raising awareness for breast cancer, ultimately leading to two decades of volunteering for the Susan Koman Race for the Cure. In 2022, her unwavering dedication earned her recognition as one of the four inspiring women honored by the Susan Koman Foundation. Sharletta cherished her roles as a wife and mother, but the true transformation of her world was becoming a grandmother. Her grandkids became the source of immeasurable pride and joy in her life.

Sharletta leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her beloved husband, James A. McLaughlin Jr., and her adored children, Dena Marie (Nathan) Suthers, Shae Nichole (Chris) Wilbur, and Brittany Michelle McLaughlin. Her cherished grandchildren, Kalan Wilbur, Grayson Suthers, Beckett Suthers, and Ella Wilbur, were the lights of her life. She is also survived by her best friend and sister, Dena (Robert) Pope, as well as her siblings, Sonya Horn, Marcella (Ken) Williams, Dalton (Beckey) Spradling, Tonya Marti, Darsha (Tom) Cubstead, and Matthew (Chelsea) Spell. Her mother-in-law, Marian McLaughlin, and sisters-in-law, Susan McLaughlin and Alicia Onley, held a special place in her heart. Sharletta is survived by her cherished nieces and nephews, Dani Gayski, Taylor Craig, Dayton Marti, Chris Marti, Tegan Spell, Brayden Spell, and Kingston Spell. She is also survived by numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Sharletta was reunited with her parents, Dalton and Janice (Dawley) Spell, in the arms of eternity. She joined her father-in-law, James A. McLaughlin Sr., and grandparents, Mary Lee and Rowland Dawley, and Alfred and Alma Spell. She is also reunited with her beloved cousins, Paul Parker and Ruth Ann Flowers.

Visitation to celebrate Sharletta's life will be held from 10 am to 11 am, followed by a funeral service at 11 am, on Thursday, October 19, 2023, all at Moore Funeral and Cremation. There will be no graveside services; she will be laid to rest in a private inurnment near her mother at the Moore City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sharletta’s name can be directed to METAvivor and/or Susan G Kolman Breast Cancer Foundation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Moore Funeral and Cremation. Sharletta's light will forever shine in our hearts, and her legacy of love and advocacy will continue to inspire us all.

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