September 5, 1935 – January 31, 2021

Gloria Ann Graves Caldwell blessed this earth, and all who would later know her, upon her arrival at St. John’s hospital in Tulsa Oklahoma on September 5, 1935. Her parents, Burl and Minnie Graves, lived in Tulsa while Burl worked in the oil and gas industry. They later moved to Oklahoma City (OKC), where she grew up. She graduated from Classen High School in 1952, and developed her interests in politics, the arts, and history. She attended Oklahoma State University to continue her education, but paused her education, to marry, start a family, and start a business with Robert (Bob) Caldwell.

Creative and intellectual, her desire to learn never ceased. A reader of books, she was fascinated and loved to converse about books read, and books to be read. She was a member of the Tulsa “Great Books” club. A congregation of chums, from different walks of life with common interests, which later turned into lifelong friends. Over time, they formed their own group, the “Bowling League”, which was code for “Girls Night Out”. The “Bowling League” met often to discuss, politics, current events, books read, personal struggles, argued plots and meanings, and philosophized. Most importantly, the “Bowling League”, was a coalition of up and coming women and were wonderful friends. These friends were inspired and motivated women, who together, made a difference for the good of all.

Gloria went back to school, the University of Tulsa, where she earned a degree in Political Science, with honors. She worked for Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG) as a manager of Corporate Responsibility and Consumer Affairs. A position created, because of her many assets and talents she wished to share. She was instrumental in the development of programs to educate and assist low income and elderly consumers in keeping themselves and their homes warm during the cold winter months. She promoted federal funding for Oklahoma’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and worked with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to advocate for programs for the needy, corporate responsibility, and service rates. She received acknowledgment from President Ronald Regan for her work with LIHEAP, and Share the Warmth.

A board member of Senior Services and a board member for the League of Women Voters, she registered voters, promoted voter education, and pushed for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). ERA paved the way for equal rights for all and not just the few. She was a leader, not only for women, but for everyone, regardless of background or heritage.

Was an active board member of Neighbor for Neighbor (NFN), a small non-profit organization helping the poor, the hungry, and those just needing an opportunity or a hand-up. NFN, initiated in 1966 by Fr. Dan Allen, was located in a little house on the north side of Tulsa. Their mission was simply to help those who needed the most help. For forty years, Gloria, worked to help build and grow this organization to be the best. She was awarded “Volunteer of the Year”. Today, NFN has evolved to provide programs and services that include life skills, family assistance, a medical clinic, legal help, and a food pantry. NFN has helped thousands of families to restore dignity and provide family support.

Gloria was a pioneer for women’s rights, advocate for those in need, a dreamer for a better world, and an inspiration for us to aspire to make a difference in the lives of others. Masterful in her understanding of the political process and the difference between the Popular Vote and Electoral College. She was graceful and elegant, generous and kind, understanding and patient, respectful and honorable, and always loving. She will be dearly missed, and her legacy will not be forgotten by those she touched.

She is survived by her sister Linda Cook, son Rob Caldwell, daughter in law Kim Caldwell, grandson Tyler and his wife Caitlyn Caldwell, grandson Spencer Caldwell, and great grandson Louis Caldwell.