Services slated for former Sallisaw Mayor Julie Ferguson

Former Sallisaw Mayor Julie Ferguson, 82, passed away on March 23.

Ferguson and her family moved to Sallisaw in 1973. She served as a grant administrator for the City of Sallisaw before being elected mayor in April 2014 running against incumbent mayor Shannon Vann.

Ferguson said she worked for the city for 17 years, and during that time, she brought in $9.5 million in grants.

“I serve at the will of the people as mayor with all the powers provided in the state law, Title 11, and the Sallisaw Charter,” Ferguson wrote. “As leader, I preside over the city council and city operations, as well as the main signature for all city official business. I have 38 years experience in a number of capacities in city government.”

Her daughters, Nita and Teri, said it is hard to summarize 60 years of public service in a few paragraphs for the newspaper, as their mom served in so many capacities in her career.

“I cannot remember a time when Mom missed a school play, performance or home game halftime show,” Teri said.

“Music played an integral part of our lives for as long as I can remember. Mom and I played the piano together, and we also played music together (organ and piano) on Sundays at First Baptist Church in Sallisaw, where she was proud to be the ‘substitute’ organist for more than 30 years.”

Ferguson reportedly made agreements with local tribes and the state for economic growth and development for eastern counties in Oklahoma, and organized services for the underserved.

A celebration of life event will take place in Sallisaw for Ferguson on April 29. Details will be published at a later date.

Ferguson asked that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in her honor to the Sallisaw Boys and Girls Club or Animal Shelter, or Sallisaw Police Department Crime Victims Unit.