Heather Lee Vinson was born Tuesday, December 30, 1969, in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Jerry Ceylon Strickland and Thelma Lee Fisher Strickland. She passed away Friday, August 30, 2024 at home with her loving family by her side. She was 54 years old.

Heather married Richard Lee Vinson Wednesday, October 28, 1992, in Muskogee. Heather and Richard are the parents of Zachary and Tyler. She and Richard built commercial poultry houses in 1996 and 1997. For the next 28 years, Heather worked diligently and faithfully with their laying hens. She gathered thousands of eggs daily, so the eggs could be transported to the hatchery to become broilers. Heather, Richard, Zachary and Tyler learned every part of the business to make their poultry operation successful. They also had a cow-calf operation with Richard’s dad, Robert Vinson.

Heather attended Muskogee Schools and graduated in 1988. She trusted Christ as her Savior and was baptized on September 22, 2002 at First Baptist Church, Checotah; where she and her family were faithful members and made many friends. For many years, Heather helped care for babies and toddlers in the Preschool Department. She enjoyed traveling and going to the lake with her family. Heather also loved animals, including her Boston Terrier Emma and her cats George, Princess, Kitty and Bad Kitty.

Most of all, Heather loved her family. Zachary and Tyler were her pride and joy. She and Richard actively supported school activities and especially Checotah football teams from Little League through High School. They enjoyed home games and traveled all over Eastern Oklahoma to watch Checotah teams compete and to support Zach and Ty, along with their teammates.

Since January 2023, when Heather learned she had cancer, she learned to slow down and enjoy little things in life. She remained faithful to the Lord, even when life was difficult. Her faith inspired family and friends.

Heather was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leonard and Vivian Strickland and Roy and Bertha Fisher; her sister-in-law, Kathy Vinson Severn; and father-in-law, Robert (Bob) Vinson.

She is lovingly survived by her husband Richard of the home; sons, Zach and Ty of the home; her parents, Jerry and Thelma Strickland of Muskogee; brother, Greg Strickland of Muskogee; sister, Sherry Ragsdale of Warner; honorary granddaughters, RayLynn and Hallory Tarkington of Checotah; mother-in-law, Ellen Vinson of Checotah; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Nancy Vinson of Webbers Falls; brotherin- law, Gary Severn of Hydro. Heather is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other extended family and a lifetime of friends. Reverend Steve Dennis will officiate the Celebration of Life Service. Heather requested that memorials be made in her memory to the children’s ministry of First Baptist Church, Checotah or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life service for Heather will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, September 9, 2024, First Baptist Church, Checotah with Reverend Steve Dennis ministering.