Carolyn Ann (McDonald) Bural

Carolyn Ann (McDonald) Bural passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. She lived a life devoted to education, family, faith, and music, leaving a legacy of kindness, dedication, and quiet strength. Carolyn was born in Durant, Oklahoma on Valentines Day 1932 to Thomas Edwin McDonald and Rosamond Bell (Enoch) McDonald. She spent her early childhood in Wapanucka, Oklahoma, where her father served as the school principal and her mother was a teacher. Education was a central part of Carolyn’s life from the beginning. She attended school in Wapanucka through the fourth grade before her father became superintendent in Milburn, Oklahoma, where she attended fifth grade. The family later moved to Dickson, Oklahoma, where Carolyn attended sixth through ninth grade while her mother taught there as well. When her father became superintendent in Zaneis, Oklahoma, Carolyn completed high school there, graduating as valedictorian with the class of 1949. It was in Zaneis where she met a tall, handsome man named Ben Bural. Following high school, Carolyn attended Oklahoma Baptist University during the 1949–1950 school year. In the summer of 1950, she married the love of her life, Ben. Together they attended Southeastern State College in Durant, Oklahoma, graduating in 1952 after completing summer courses to earn enough hours to finish their degrees in just three years. After graduation, Ben and Carolyn moved to Fox, Oklahoma, where they both taught during the 1952–1953 school year. Shortly afterward, Ben was drafted into the military during the Korean War and served from 1952 to 1955, spending much of that time stationed in Germany. During his service, Carolyn remained in Fox and continued teaching. In 1956, Carolyn welcomed her first child, Bennie Dale. She always dreamed of having 5 children and, true to her nature, she did just that. Over the next decade she joyfully welcomed four daughters: Cathy Jo, Sue Ann, Vicki Lynn, and Mary Louise (Lou). Carolyn devoted those years to raising her children and creating a loving home. The family moved frequently during this time period to accommodate Ben’s oilfield career. In 1967, the family moved to Elmore City, Oklahoma, where they raised their children and created a loving and stable home. That same year, Carolyn returned to the classroom and continued her lifelong commitment to education. She taught 3rd grade from 1967-1994 at Elmore City Elementary School, shaping the lives of many students. Carolyn had a lifelong faith and attended the Baptist church throughout her life, spending many hours at the Elmore City First Baptist church; worshiping, serving, cooking and helping many others. Her faith was a guiding force in her family and daily life. She was also an avid lover of music and played the piano throughout her life, a gift and passion she lovingly passed on to each of her children. Carolyn will be remembered for her love of learning, her devotion to her family, and her steady encouragement to those around her. Her life was marked by perseverance, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others grow. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Ben Granville Bural; her daughter, Cathy Blackwood, and son-in-law Jimmy Blackwood; her grandson, Tyler Bural; and her parents, Edwin and Rosamond McDonald. She is survived by her brother Thomas Edwin McDonald Jr and wife Myrna; her son, Ben Bural and wife Joan Ferrell; her daughters, Sue Strickland and husband Jerry Strickland; Vicki Schmidt and husband Daved Schmidt; and Lou Henning; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue to carry forward her legacy of love and family. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation or a charity of your choice in her name.

Carolyn Ann (McDonald) Bural

January 28, 1932 - March 7, 2026