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May 1, 2025Mother’s Day is May 11
Mother’s Day during the Month of Mary honors and celebrates all moms and those who provide motherly love and devotion.
At Sooner Catholic, this year we feature and celebrate two of the countless mothers across the archdiocese making a difference through their service.
Megan Craddock
Saint Mary Catholic Church, Ardmore
Most Catholics agree that the sacrament that causes the most anxiety – especially the first time – is the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Megan Craddock is a stress reducer.
Along with her roles of wife, mother to three young children and elementary school teacher, Craddock volunteers to teach religious education to second graders at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Ardmore, where students are prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in second grade.
In May 2025, twin brothers Sam and Gabe will be making their first confessions. Asked if they are nervous about it, they replied in unison, “We’re not worried, because Mrs. Craddock has taught us how to do it.”
Her teaching is widely appreciated.
Craddock is a first grade teacher at Plainview Primary School, chosen as Model School by the group Great Expectations.
“She provides a model of decorum and respect that creates a strong learning environment in her classroom,” said Lisa Moore, principal at Plainview Primary. “She loves her students and expects the best from them. She is a wonderful communicator and creates a strong learning community involving parents to foster a family atmosphere of learning.
“She is a very hard worker and a joy to have on staff. Her students love her and reflect the character that she models for them daily. Teaching is a ‘calling’ for Mrs. Craddock.”
Megan, who has been teaching in Oklahoma schools for 12 years, and her husband Kyle are the parents of Blakely, Carter and Hadlee. She grew up with a strong Catholic tradition as her mother, Kelley, was in charge of religious education at Saint Henry Catholic Church in Owasso.
“Her devotion to the Blessed Virgin (Mary) is demonstrated through her faith in God as well as prayer to her,” Kyle said. “As soon as our children were old enough, Megan made sure they had the Hail Mary prayer memorized. Nearly every night before bed she reads a Bible story. Her love of God and background in education greatly attributes to our kids understanding of God.
“Megan is the engine that keeps everyone going. Her organizational skills keep everyone on track, and she puts 100 percent into everything she does. Megan is a true blessing to me and my children.”
Tammy Williams
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Madill
Tammy Williams found inspiration for motherhood… through the ultimate mother.
The Blessed Mother.
“My Mom died 15 years ago from dementia and Parkinson Disease,” Williams said. “Before her death, she gave me an example of unconditional love for family, strong Christian values and how to put family first.”
Upon her mother’s death, Williams found her devotion to the Blessed Mother increase.
“I see so much similarity to the Blessed Mother, my mom and my life as a mother,” said Williams, a convert to Catholicism. “I find a great deal of comfort and help in the Rosary.”
Tammy and her husband Chuck, parents to adult children Jared and Destiny, have been married 28 years. They attend Holy Cross Catholic Church in Madill. Jared works for Focus Ministry in Memphis.
Catholicism has been one thing that has remained constant for this military family, through all the “moves” that the Air Force required the family.
“My Mom’s steadfast love and perseverance have shown me the strength of faith in hardship and the deep importance of love and family,” Jared said. “Her witness to Jesus and the way she’s poured herself out for me have been a powerful part of what led me to become a missionary.
“She’s the best example of Christ’s love for me that I have ever known.”
Williams works as a hairdresser in the Madill area. Before moving to Madill, she had many loyal clients. She still works with her loyal client base in Oklahoma City by working one week a month as a hairdresser near their former residence at Tinker Air Force Base.
“I am a lifelong Catholic, but Tammy and her faith deserve all the credit for keeping me active in the Catholic church,” Chuck said.
Gloria Torres, a fellow parishioner at Holy Cross, said she admires Tammy’s commitment.
“Even though we've only had her and her family around our parish for a couple of years, they have been very caring and cooperative people,” Torres said. “She participates in parish activities. She's a member of the Altar Society. She also helps us count the alms' money. Helps on the monthly bake sale. She's in charge of opening the religious goods store (gift Shop) for anyone who needs something to buy. She has also donated haircuts for children who need a haircut to look good in school and whose parents can't afford to provide them.
“Tammy's heart is very big and generous. We hope to continue having someone like her among us. It's a privilege to have her around.”
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
The Craddock family
The Williams family