Claudia Arlene Sutherland McCord-Sawyer

Claudia Arlene Sutherland McCord-Sawyer, also known as Shirley, passed away in Auburn Washington, on December 15, 2018.  She was born July 12, 1940 in Blackwell Oklahoma. Shirley was preceded in death by her father and sister, Claude and Cheryl Sutherland of Bartlesville, her mother Arlene Manny, brothers David Sutherland and Rick Seacat, all from Blackwell.  Shirley is survived by her daughters, Sheila McCord and Sheryl (William), Thomas, 6 grandchildren and their spouses, 16 great-grandchildren, all who live in the Pacific Northwest, near Seattle She is also survived by sisters, Jeanne Seacat Platt, Sharon Sutherland Rigsby, her 3 brothers, Steve and Scott Sutherland and Randy Seacat.  Also, her Aunt Cleta Campbell, nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends, ALL who will miss her, greatly.

    Shirley’s early years were spent attending Blackwell Schools and enjoying Blackwell activities of the 1940s and 50s.  Her later Blackwell years found her employed with WalMart, and volunteering in the community. As her Blackwell family moved to the Northwest, she too made her home in the Puget Sound area.  There Shirley worked in customer service, drove district school bus, and ultimately, retired from Social Security.

    For those who knew Shirley, they knew she dearly loved her daughters, family, friends, and the simple things of life.  She enjoyed sewing and needlework, crafting, cooking, cake decorating, fishing and boating, and basking in the beauty of the Northwest.  Shirley was friendly with a kindhearted manner and easy laughter. She never met a stranger, never had a cross word toward anyone and never wanted any person to go without the basics of life. All in all, Shirley’s life exhibited her love for people and her love for Jesus Christ.  

    Shirley will also be remembered for her incredibly brave and gallant battle against Polycystic Kidney Disease, a kidney transplant, CHF, and lastly, Calciphylaxis.  

    In September, Shirley attended her Blackwell, 60 year class reunion. She enjoyed all of the activities and festivities Blackwell celebrated.  She loved being “home,” reminiscing and celebrating. Claudia is now at home in heaven, where her loved ones look to the day they will be reunited with her, in God’s eternal glory.  

     Shirley will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery, in Auburn Washington, facing a majestic view of Mount Rainier and the Green Valley, she loved so much.