Louiezon Young

Louiezon Young was a lady of many talents. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of opera, Colorado geography (Aspen groves, ghost towns, Fourteeners and mountain passes) and loved the Bible. Also, she was a pinch-hitter pilot who was able to take off and land a Cessna 182. She was kind, compassionate and funny to everyone, a great mother and a generous friend to people of all ages. Born Louiezon Killingsworth on December 31, 1924, she died on July 21, 2017 surrounded by her family. Her love of the Bible, Old and New Testament, traditional hymns and personal Bible commentary library began at age 5 when she joined the First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City. Her father ran the Baptist Bookstore. Louiezon taught Sunday School throughout her life and she also taught Tabernacle seminars all over the state for many years. Louiezon had the distinction of maintaining the longest membership at First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City for 87 years. Louiezon attended Gatewood Elementary and Classen High School. After a year at Oklahoma Baptist University, she tranferred to Oklahoma State University, met C. Jack Young at a church picnic during World War II and shortly thereafter became the wife of a dermatologist. They had three children – Charlsie Young Kline, Luke and Lance – and two grandchildren – Lauren and Melissa Young – and their mother Robin Young, all of southern California. The family spent winters and summers at their Deer Valley Ranch cabin in Buena Vista, Colorado -- skiing at Monarch Pass as early as 1962 and horseback riding for many years. Louiezon treasured her time in Colorado with her family and good friends Claudia Black and Claire Rieger. She was a member of the Oklahoma Medical Auxiliary, Oklahoma Art League, Glass Club and Town Hall. She and Jack were founding members of Quail Creek Golf and Country Club. Louiezon was also active in Young Life and Campus Crusade. After raising her children she worked for Dr. Jack Hough and was a founding member of the Cochlear Implant Center at Hough Institute, Baptist Integris Hospital. Then in her 70s she represented the Medical Assistance Program in East Africa assisting in the distribution of medical surgical supplies. Through her wit, charm, sense of humor and integrity, she was able to travel extensively and knew people all over the world. Louiezon never met a stranger! She was one of three Oklahoma members of the 150-member Encore Society of the Metropolitan Opera. She attended opera performances in London's Covent Garden and LaScala in Milan as well as an African safari in Kenya. Louiezon continued to drive to Colorado until she was 85 and drove over Independence Pass in her late 70s to pick up friends and family at Aspen airport. She loved Colorado's fall foliage. Her favorite Aspen grove was on the top of McClure Pass in September. The family would like to thank her caregivers Christy Martinez, Tony Martinez, Tamara Davis, Tereca Davis, Lajuana Martinez, Amy Terry, Trenda Dotson, Audrey Pralle Hardiman and Cathy Manuel. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, at Louise Prichard Chapel, First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, NW 11th and Harvey. Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City or Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, New York, New York.