Deidra Ann McKenzie Henley

September 7, 1948-January 23, 2026

Deidra was born September 7, 1948, to DeOn and Robert McKenzie in Healdton, Oklahoma.  She attended Healdton Public Schools throughout elementary, junior high and high school, graduating in 1966.  Deidra attended Oklahoma State University 1966-1967 and East Central State University 1968-1971, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree.  While at East Central State University, Deidra met her forever love, Joe Henley.  Their adventure began and they were married on August 18, 1974.

From 1971-1973 Deidra was an English teacher at Tohatchi High School in Tohatchi, New Mexico, where she also coached Girls Basketball and Track.  During this time, she attended summer classes at East Central State University and Central State University, completing her master's degree in education in 1974.  Deidra continued her teaching career in Yukon, Oklahoma, where she taught from 1973 until her retirement in 2001.

There is one word that can be used to describe Deidra.  That word is passionate.  Deidra was passionate about her family.  She dearly loved her parents and provided great care for them before their passing.  She adored her husband, Joe, and they were beyond thrilled when they welcomed their precious child, Jace McKenzie Henley, into the world on May 24, 1980.  Deidra also greatly loved her younger sister, Gena Hope Puckett, and devoutly cared for her as she battled a terminal illness.  She continued to love and be loved by Gena's daughter, Deidra's beloved niece, Christen.  Because of the love and care she so freely gave, Deidra has a large extended community of family and friends, where the lines between the two are frequently blurred.  Tragically Deidra and Joe's time together was cut short.   They were married 34 years before Joe's passing on May 1, 2009, after a very brief illness.  On a joyful note, Deidra's immediate family grew.  Jace married Christopher Baugh on June 6, 2019, and Deidra was blessed with a son-in-law.  She and Christopher developed an amazing relationship of mutual respect, support, and love.  Deidra was so happy to have Christopher in her life.

Deidra was passionate about her career.  To say that Deidra was a teacher understates the positive impact she had on so many young lives.  She was their teacher, mentor, advocate, cheerleader, and sounding board.  So many of her former students have kept in touch and she always loved hearing their stories.  Deidra was also passionate about her career and wanted all students to receive the best education possible.  She worked at the local, state and national level through boards and teacher organizations toward the betterment of teacher and public school education.

Deidra was passionate about her interests outside of the classroom.  She loved music, be it at a large concert venue or a smaller, more intimate gathering.  She especially enjoyed Joe Walsh, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Cross Canadian Ragweed.  Deidra was also a huge sports fan.  She cheered for pro and college football, pro and college basketball, local ice hockey and baseball teams, and any sport with which her family members, friends, or students were involved.  Deidra also was very knowledgeable about all the sports she loved.  Deidra was particularly passionate about her Sooners and the OKC Thunder.  She called the basketball team her Thunder babies and she even had a Thunder tattoo on an undisclosed place on her body.  Deidra and Joe bought season tickets during the inaugural season in 2008 and Deidra maintained those tickets through last year's championship season.  Even though she was able to enjoy only 2 seasons with Joe, the Season Ticket Holder wall at the arena still reads "Deidra and Joe Henley."

Deidra was passionate about people.  She never met a stranger.  She could always find something in common with everyone she encountered.  Deidra not only met people, but she also developed relationships with them.  She was the queen of Section 325 at the Thunder games.  She knew everyone around her, knew parts of their story, and always sincerely asked about how they were doing.  Deidra even became close friends with the parking attendant.  No matter when she arrived for a game, he would save her place with a parking cone.  If Deidra couldn't attend a game, she refused to sell her tickets.  She always gave them away to family or friends.  There was one Thunder friendship of which she was very fond.  One of the Storm Chasers, which is a Thunder cheer team, used to work in her section.  She showed a genuine interest in him and he adopted her as if she were a dear aunt.  One more example of Deidra's passion for people came about in July 2006, when Deidra and Joe bought some property at Lake Eufaula.  Once again Deidra grew a community of family, friends, and lake friends that became a great source of joy and support.

Deidra passed from this life on January 23, 2026, at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.  Deidra was a Methodist from birth and was very spiritual.  She left these earthly bonds to begin her eternal journey at the age of 77 years, 4 months, and 16 days.

Deidra is preceded in death by her husband Joe Henley, parents Robert and DeOn McKenzie, sister Gena Hope Puckett, and nephew Christopher Puckett.

Deidra is survived by Jace Henley Baugh and husband Christopher Baugh; Kathy Philipp, husband Charles Philipp, and children Gini, Ryan, and Ashley Philipp; niece Christen Puckett-Smith and husband Ragan Smith; cousins Deonna, Lauryn, Phillip, and Larry Cumpton, and Chico, Cindy, Jayme, and Wilson Phillips; and a community of family and friends, including her YaYas, who will miss her greatly.