Memorial services to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Church of the Servant 14343 N. MacArthur Oklahoma City, OK 73142.

In Lieu of Flowers the family requests donations in Carla's memory be made to the Al M. & Rebecca Snipes Endowment Fund of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes via my.fca.org or to John 3:17 Ministries via John317Ministry.org.

Carla Jo Snipes

Oklahoma City – Carla, 66, following a brief, but courageous battle with cancer, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord & Savior on Dec. 13, 2023. Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on November 29, 1957, Carla was a graduate of U.S. Grant High School and earned Sociology and Juris Doctor degrees from Oklahoma City University. Carla was a staff lawyer at the Oklahoma State Insurance Fund, representing employers. She also represented injured workers at Bill Vassar's law firm. She was a perfect choice for Governor Mary Fallin in 2012 when Carla was appointed to serve an eight-year term as a judge of the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Court. After the end of her term, she was appointed by Chief Justice Noma Gurich of the Oklahoma Supreme Court as a Special Judge of the Court. Carla loved being a lawyer and she loved being a judge. She was highly respected by her peers as Chief Justice Gurich wrote to Carla, "You have the perfect temperament of a judge. You are kind and understanding, and above all, respectful of the parties and their counsel … You are kind and generous. You are sincere and genuine. Your life has meaning. Your legacy comes from your core values of faith and ethics. You have an excellent reputation, and you have set an example for so many others to follow. Your courage in facing this challenge is remarkable …Noma." Carla met the love of her life, Marshall Snipes, on a blind date. They were married a few months later November 26, 1994. Their life was full of adventure. They traveled extensively to many foreign countries and interesting places in the United States. Carla built her life around her family and friends, and she loved holidays, and traveling with those closest to her. She loved her grandkids – she prayed for them every night. She loved her sister Carolyn who was

her role model growing up. She had many close friends. At the top of the list was Carolyn. She was loyal, caring, and kind to those who considered her their friend. She treated everyone the same – from elected officials and CEOs to people at the other end of the socio-economic spectrum. She viewed people not by what they accomplished or what their title might be but by who they were, their character, integrity, and kindness. Carla was humble and fiercely loyal on one hand and firm and assertive on the other. She abhorred the spotlight. She never cared about building a resume or promoting herself – she

cared about people. She had several "friend groups" around several organizations she was involved in. She was a voracious reader and passionate learner. She was a curious person and an independent thinker. She loved nature and animals. She loved to sit on the beach – usually under an umbrella wrapped in a beach towel. She loved the peacefulness of nature. Carla loved her dogs especially Spot. She loved Ruthie, the swan at the country club which she fed every day. She was independent. She bought her first house when she was 20 years old, in college and working three jobs. She had a tremendous sense of humor. What guided Carla on her journey through life was her faith. Her faith in God and belief in his son Jesus Christ. She prayed daily, studied scripture, and constantly tried to apply those principles to her daily life. That's what drove her to be humble, kind, a gentle spirit, and an example to us all. As her life wound down, she remained strong in her faith, her dignity, her charm, and that smile that blessed us all. She admonished us not to be sad at her funeral but to celebrate her life. A life well lived. Matthew 5:16 says in Jesus' words "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Carla's light shone brightly for all of us to see. Her legacy is how she lived and how her faith in God guided her life – with grace, class, and dignity. Though Carla's physical presence has changed, her impact remains on the lives she touched. Carla's memory endures. To know her was to love her and our lives are richer for having known her.

Carla was preceded in death by her:

Parents ~ Harrell and Wilma George.

She is survived by her:

Loving and adoring husband of 29 years ~ Alfred Marshall Snipes, Jr:

Step-Daughter ~ Ashley Harris and her husband, Phillip

Step-Son ~ Marsh Snipes, IV

Step-Grandchildren ~ Samuel Harris, Josiah Harris, Alfred Snipes, V, and Davi Layne Snipes

Sister ~ Carolyn Gregg and her husband, Gary

Nephew ~ Rance Gregg and his wife, Heather

Niece ~ Heather Ihde and her husband, Landon

Niece ~ Sarah Shappley and her husband, Taylor

As well as a community of countless friends who have prayerfully supported and have been present to attend to the needs of Carla and her entire family during this difficult time.

Memorial services to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, Dec 18, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Church of the Servant 14343 N. MacArthur Oklahoma City, OK 73142.

In Lieu of Flowers the family requests donations in Carla's memory be made to the Al M. & Rebecca Snipes Endowment Fund of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes via my.fca.org or to: John 3:17 Ministries via John317Ministry.org.