Connie Jensen

Constance Elaine “Connie” Jensen, age 69, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, February 28, 2020, in Norman, OK. Connie was born on February 16,1951 in Clinton, OK to Gerald and Carlene (Elliott) Gravlee.

She attended Chattanooga Public Schools in southwest Oklahoma and was active in basketball, cheerleading, track, volleyball, and was the 1969 Chattanooga Rodeo Queen. Connie graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1969. She went on to attend college at Cameron University where she played basketball for the Cameron Aggies. During her second semester of her freshman year, she met the love of her life, Lester “Buzz” Jensen. They had their first date on February 13, 1970 and have been inseparable ever since. They were united in marriage on December 30, 1971 and have been blessed with 48 years of marriage and two children, Chris and Lisa.

After graduating with a degree in Elementary Education, Connie began her teaching career one door down from her mother-in-law at Westwood Elementary School in Lawton, OK. Upon Buzz’s graduation from Cameron University, they made their home in Norman, OK. Continuing her dream of being a school teacher, Connie began teaching at Newcastle Elementary School where she impacted hundreds of children and their families for the next 43 years. Not only did Connie pour her heart into teaching children, but she was a passionate advocate for her fellow educators. She spent several years as President of the Newcastle Association of Classroom Teachers and also served as the chief negotiator for the district. Connie served on the Oklahoma Education Association Board of Directors for many years. While her father inspired her to be a teacher, her love of teaching inspired her two children to follow in her footsteps as educators.

While many called her Mrs. Jensen, her greatest title was Mimi to her five grandchildren. She loved watching their activities, sharing her love of cooking and gardening, and teaching them the fine art of shoe shopping. Connie was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Norman and the Sisters in Christ Sunday School Class. She joyfully served her church family, volunteering in many different ministries. Connie had the spiritual gift of hospitality and always made sure that all were welcomed, included, and well fed.

Connie is preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Carlene Gravlee and her father-in-law, Lester “Bear” Jensen. Connie will be remembered by her loving husband, Lester “Buzz” Jensen of the home; son, Chris Jensen and his wife Kellie of Enid; daughter, Lisa Edge and her husband Josh of Norman; brother, Jerry Gravlee and his wife Carol of Oklahoma City; mother-in-law Hazel Jensen of Norman; sister-in-law, Jill Jensen and her husband Cal Stone of Camas, WA; five grandchildren, Blake, Lauren, and Sarah Jensen of Enid and Luke and Cole Edge of Norman.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, March 4th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Tribute Memorial Care in Norman, OK. A celebration of Connie’s life will be on Thursday, March 5th at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Norman, OK. There will be a graveside service following at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Norman, OK.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Children’s Ministry at First Baptist Church in Norman, OK. The family would like to thank the entire staff of Stephenson Cancer Center as well as Brookhaven Extensive Care for their loving care and compassion. Online condolences may be shared at www.tribute.care (405.292.4787).