George Cornelius Vann

George Cornelius Vann was born on February 27, 1953 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to George and Mary Vann. He passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026 in Westminster, Colorado. He was raised with deep roots in faith, family, and community that would define his life.

George graduated from Ponca City High School in 1971 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, after which he began his career teaching in the Ponca City school system. He later relocated to Colorado, where he continued his education and earned a Master of Science in Technology from Lesley University. He devoted his career to the youth of his community and retired in 2013 from the Adams 12 Five Star School District, having spent decades shaping young minds.

Faith was a cornerstone of George's life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized as a child, becoming a member of St. John Baptist Church in Ponca City. In Colorado, he found a spiritual home at Second Baptist Church in Boulder, where he was an active member and served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher for many years.

George held his Cherokee Nation heritage with great pride. He became a registered tribal member and voter in 2006, and took his civic responsibility seriously — participating in nearly every tribal election and staying well-informed on tribal affairs.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, George had a particular love for basketball and football. He played basketball during his high school and college years and cherished memories of attending Denver Nuggets games as a young man.

Above all, George treasured his family. He made every effort his health allowed to attend family reunions and gatherings, and his presence was a gift to those around him. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Vann; his siblings Bill Whitlow, Adris Sidney, and Rowanna Wofford; his niece Arzelia Borne; and his nephews Stan and Anthony Wofford.

He is survived by his sister Marilyn Vann Click; brother-in-law Wayne Click; nieces Rose Khalid and her husband Abdalla Khalid, Willia Miller and her husband Thomas Miller, Janette Whitlow Fleming and her husband Harry Fleming, and Kim Marshall; nephew Jeff Whitlow and his wife Kenya Whitlow; stepchildren Joy Shouse, Patience Shouse Seybold, and Charity Shouse Haygood; and a cherished circle of great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service celebrating George's life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time at Peoples Church NW Campus, 8512 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73162. All who knew and loved George are warmly welcome to attend.

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