Cleta Fulbright

Cleta Marie Werner Fulbright, 81, of Ozark, Missouri, passed away on February 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and music. Born on June 2, 1943, in Brown's Spring, Missouri, to Mabel Indiana Harmon Werner and John Clark Werner, Cleta lived a life filled with devotion to her family, her faith, and her passion for music.

A talented musician and dedicated educator, Cleta graduated from Clever High School in 1961 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Southwest Missouri State College. She used her gifts to serve others, enriching lives as a choir director, vocalist, and pianist in several Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations.

On January 29, 1966, Cleta married David Lee Fulbright in Clever, Missouri. Together, they raised two children while serving churches in Elkland, Boonville, Wellsville, Flat River, and Bonne Terre, Missouri. Cleta’s ministry through music brought joy and inspiration to many, and her influence extended beyond the church as she shaped young minds as an elementary music teacher at schools in Flat River, Elvins, and Sparta, Missouri.

Cleta’s journey led her to Brown’s Spring, Missouri, and Santa Claus, Indiana, before she eventually settled in Ozark, Missouri. There, she shared her love of sewing and creativity with the community as the manager of the fabrics department at Walmart.

In 2013, she moved to Claremore, Oklahoma, to be closer to her children and grandchildren—the center of her world. Cleta was deeply loved and will be remembered for her steadfast faith, warmth, and generosity. She touched countless lives as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Daniel Clark Fulbright and wife Anna of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Melissa Karoline Fulbright Parker and husband Will of Owasso, Oklahoma; six beloved grandchildren: Emily Parker-Eaton and wife Jacey, Aaron Fulbright, Madeline Parker, Kathryn Parker, Jackson Parker, and Caroline Fulbright; her dear sister-in-law, Anita Werner; as well as cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

She is now reunited in heaven with her parents, John and Mabel Werner; her sister, Oleta Werner Durnell; her brother, John Werner; and her former husband, David Fulbright.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated caregivers at the Memory Care Center at Emerald in Claremore and Baptist Village in Owasso for their kindness and support.

Funeral services will be held at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, on March 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor John Werner officiating. Burial will follow in Selmore Cemetery, Ozark. Visitation will be from 10-11:00 a.m. immediately before the funeral at the funeral home. 

Though her song on earth has ended, its melody will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.