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Mack Vann, son of James and Susie (Ellis) Vann, was born March 6, 1931 in Bunch, Oklahoma. He departed this life, to be with his Lord and Savior, on April 22, 2019 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, at the age of 88 years, 1 month and 15 days.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Fayeola Vann; sisters, Eliza Augurhole, Lydia Vann; brothers, George, William, Jack, Allen, Dirthrower Vann; nephews, Roger Vann, Mack Buzzard; nieces, Mary DuVall and Louella Adair.
Mack was the last monolingual Cherokee speaker and a descendant of Andrew Ross, brother of Cherokee Chief John Ross, who led the tribe from its ancestral home in Georgia to Oklahoma during the forced relocation known as the “Trail of Tears.” Mack was cherished by many. He had a sense of humor that was out of this world. He was soft spoken and could make anyone roll out of their seat in laughter. Mack was a traditional bow maker and healer. He spent his spare time helping other Cherokee speakers understand the language. He helped so much that he earned the nickname, “Walking Cherokee Dictionary”. He loved visiting the Holy City of the Wichitas where he is a citizen, stopping by to see his friends and to help as much as possible at the Cherokee Master Program. He also tried to attend as many hog fry’s as he could and loved taking pictures with the buffaloes. His additional hobbies included, hunting, fishing, playing pool and of course, the casino.
Mack is survived by a very loving family that includes: daughter, Lisa Christine Vann-Christiansen; grandchildren, Ciarre and Cherise; great-grandchildren, Bobbie and Izabella; sister, Katie Adair; special friends, John Bunch, Leonard Vann, Leon and Sue Buckhorn. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of other relatives and many friends.
A visitation will be held Thursday, April 25, 2019, 5:00 p.m. at the New Baptist Church, Bunch, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be Friday, April 26, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at the Cedar Tree Baptist Church, Briggs, Oklahoma. Brother Charlie Shell will officiate. Interment to follow in the Rocky Point Cemetery, Sequoyah County.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Parsons-Canoe-Beggs Funeral Home, Collinsville, Oklahoma.
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