Veyda Potter Sarkey Burbridge Veyda Potter Sarkey Burbridge, age 98, died peacefully in her Oklahoma City home Friday, April 23, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. An unusual clap of thunder was heard as she was escorted by Angels to her new heavenly home, to be reunited with so many family and friends who had been waiting for her arrival. Born in Sasakwa, Oklahoma, on February 22, 1923, to William Arthur and Hattie Mae (Morgan) Potter, Veyda was their youngest, with five brothers and two sisters. After her mother died in 1925, the family moved to Cooperton, Oklahoma and young Veyda helped with chores and learned how to pick the cotton crops they grew on their farm. Her family had a strong work ethic and were taught respect, moral values, and a love for Jesus. Dry humor, playing musical instruments, singing, and praying together got them through the hardships of life. Veyda graduated from Cooperton Valley High School, and then attended Chickasha Womens College, graduating with a teaching degree. While in Chickasha attending Church, she met her husband-to-be, S. J. (Jerry) Sarkey, who was serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. They married in 1944, and after Jerrys discharge from service, moved to Denver, Colorado, where son Steven Jay was born in 1949, and Veyda learned the art of invisible re-weaving of fabric; repairing burns and tears in garments and upholstery. The family moved to Norman, Oklahoma, where son Kenneth Alan was born in 1952. Veyda taught English and Spanish in the school at Noble, Oklahoma, and Jerry became a real estate agent. Relocating to Oklahoma City in 1959, Veyda taught home economics, cooking, and sewing in the Putnam City School System for many years, and helped husband Jerry establish their business "A-1 Specialties" in 1960. The family made and did custom engraving of signs, trophies, plaques, and jewelry; and offered other services such as custom-printed advertising items, monogramming, hot-stamping, wedding invitations, flags, and balloon bouquet deliveries. Another family enterprise was a coffee catering service. Veyda found time to support her boys many activities; Boy Scouts & camping, Ham Radio, Flying. She loved to sing songs and hymns, write and recite poetry. She treasured visiting her many relatives in San Antonio, Texas. When son Steve suddenly passed away in 1970, the family was heartbroken. A year later, with other son Ken moving to attend college, Veyda and Jerry heard about a little boy and his sister who had been abandoned and decided they needed to respond in love. A few months later, the Sarkey family officially adopted five-year-old Robert Lee and four-year-old Dana Gayle. Veydas husband Jerry died in 1979 of complications from diabetes, and she continued running the family business until finally "retiring" at the age of 90. Veyda married Robert Burbridge in 1980 and had 13 years together until his death in 1994. Veyda continued nurturing and lovingly embracing grand and great-grands as each one came into her life. She was a very faithful and generous woman, also supporting a variety of Christian charities and Church ministries. She cherished being in Church every week and attended Metropolitan Baptist and Northwest Baptist. In spite of growing up without a Mother, living through the dustbowl, depression, and war years of the 1920s-1940s, the death of her 21-year-old son, and the loss of two husbands, this amazing woman continued to hold on to her faith in God with a cheerful attitude and a thankful heart. Veyda was not hesitant to introduce herself (usually as "Nana") to anyone around her! Veyda is survived by her son, Kenneth Sarkey and wife Kay Lynn; son, Robert Sarkey and wife Tina; daughter, Dana Sarkey; grandchildren, Christy Hopper, Stacy Rosete, Melody Hoppers, Tara Swanner, Stephanie Sarkey, Jerry Sarkey, Sherri Graim, Kimberly Dye; and 13 great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel Oklahoma City, OK 73118 at 9:00 AM on Thursday, April 29, 2021. Masks are required at Westminster. . Viewing Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Wednesday, April 28, 2021 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Funeral Service Westminster Presbyterian Church Thursday, April 29, 2021 9:00 AM 4400 N. Shartel Oklahoma City, OK 73118 Services will be held in the Sanctuary and masks are required