Muscogee Nation News
Creek citizens from across Creek Nation 1997

January 1997

BIGPOND
OAKHURST - Martha Ann Lowe BIGPOND was born October 27, 1948, in Claremore. She died November 28, 1996. Wake services were held December 1 followed by funeral services December 2, both at Indian Fellowship Baptist, where she was a member. Rev. William and Rev. Jim ANDERSON officiated the funeral. Interment was in the Bigpond Family Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Nancy Tiger LOWE; and one sister, Betty Lowe TULSA. She was survived by her two daughters, Tonya Louise Bigpond BRADSHEARS, and Ida Beth BIGPOND, both of Tulsa; her son, Louis Scott BIGPOND of Tulsa; four grandchildren; one sister, Augustine Lowe WILLIE of Okmulgee; two nephews; two nieces; and one aunt, Pauline LOWE of Bakersfield, CA.

BURDEN
WELEETKA - Augusta BURDEN was born September 20, 1900, in Weleetka. She died December 24, 1996. Funeral services were held November 28 at First Free Will Baptist Church. Interment was in Weleetka Hillcrest Cemetery.
She was raised in the Weleetka area and attended Mission Bottom Indian Boarding School. She was a longtime member of Hvtcecvpv Baptist Church and helped raise several children in addition to her own.
She was preceded in death by her parents A.P. and Polly Ben STEPHENSON; and her husband, A.J. BURDEN, whom she married in 1918. She was survived by her son, Bill BURDEN; her daughter, Geneva HUNT; daughter-in-law, Dorothy BURDEN; and a sister, Lucille NUSSBAUM, all of Weleetka; five grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

HENRY
CHECOTAH - Aline H. HENRY was born October 23, 1913, in Checotah. She died November 20, 1996, in Muskogee. Funeral services were held November 22 at Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry ENSMINGER officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery.
She was a retail person with Charott and a member of the First Baptist Church of Checotah. She was the daughter of John TURNER and Virgie McIntosh HENSHAW, both deceased. She was survived by three sisters, Hattie HENSHAW, Anna Lee TAGNEY, and Mary ARMSTRONG, all of Checotah; her brother, Pete HENSHAW of Checotah; two nephews, Larry ARMSTRONG of Broken Arrow, and Ronald McDANIEL of Perkins; one niece, Joan HOLLADAY of Paris, TX; and a host of friends and other relatives.

LEWIS
WELEETKA - Lindy Rhoda LEWIS was born March 20, 1922, in Weleetka. She died December 6, 1996, at her home. Funeral services were held December 9 at Alabama Baptist Church, where she was affiliated. Rev. Eugene WHITLOW, Mitchell TAYLOR, and Harry LONG officiated. Pallbearers were Tony DILLON, Bobby HARJO, Jerry SUMKA, David GREEN, Junior LEWIS, and Smiley BARNETT. Interment was in Weleetka Hillcrest Cemetery.
She lived most of her life in Weleetka and was known an as excellent cook. She was active in the MSW at the Alabama church and enjoyed traveling to Muscogee-Seminole-Wichita Baptist Association functions.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Liza Cubbie MANLEY; three brothers, Jacob MANLEY, Tarbie MANLEY, and Jonas MANLEY; and one sister, Elizabeth MANLEY. She was survived by her four sons, Al WISE of Phoenix, AZ, Bill WISE, London HARJO, and Jacob LEWIS, all of Weleetka; her daughter, Linda COOPER of Stillwater; two brothers, Eugene MANLEY and Hully MANLEY, both of Weleetka; two sisters, Sinah BIRDCREEK of Weleetka, and Cilia MANLEY of Cromwell; 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

RANDALL
HENRYETTA - Annie RANDALL was born October 20, 1908, in Sands Springs. She died November 26, 1996, in Tulsa. Funeral services were held November 29 at Robert Simons Funeral Home with Anita PHILLIPS officiating. Pallbearers were Jim STATEN, Roman HARJO, Jr., Roman HARJO, Sr., Anthony BEAR, Wallace GAMBLER, and Marven LOWE. No information was given on the place of interment.
She had worked at Tulsa Regional Medical Center for 15 years and was a member of Honey Creek United Methodist Church.  
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Callie Fisher ISLAND; and in 1944 by her husband, Roman RANDALL. She was survived by her two daughters, Dolores RANDALL of Henryetta, and Ramona RANDALL of Claremore; sister, Isley HARJO of Henryetta; two grandchildren, Rebecca STATEN of Claremore, and Roman HARJO of Okmulgee; and four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth STATEN, Jimmy STATEN, Lisa STATEN, and Roman HARJO, Jr.

SCOTT
OKLAHOMA CITY - George Lee SCOTT was born November 7, 1960, in Oklahoma City. He died November 18 at his home. Wake services were held November 20 followed by funeral services November 21 at Hillabee Baptist Church with Rev. T.J. FIXICO officiating. Burial was in the Hanna Cemetery.
He had attended Jones Academy and Oklahoma City Public Schools and worked part-time at the Oklahoma City fairgrounds. He attended Street Peoples Ministries in Oklahoma City.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Samuel ‘C’ and Mandy SCOTT; three uncles; and two aunts.
He was survived by his mother and stepfather, Leo and Sallie Scott WISE of the home; his brothers, James Meely of El Reno, Bobby BROWN,, Jr., of Oklahoma City, Elmer BROWN of Shawnee, Chris MITCHELL of Tulsa, and Anthony SCOTT of Jay; one sister, Una Michelle BROWN of Oklahoma City; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

SCOTT
WEWOKA - Lillian SCOTT was born October 12, 1904, in Yeager, Indian Territory. She died November 27, 1996, at Heritage Village Nursing Home in Holdenville. Wake services were held November 29 followed by funeral services, both at Wewoka United Methodist Church, with Rev. John LOWE and Rev. David WILDE officiating. No information was given on the place of interment.
She was reared in Yeager and Gum Springs communities and attended Eufaula Boarding School. She was a member of Wewoka UMC.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lucy Grayson SCOTT; three brothers; one sister; and a great-granddaughter, Jonanna BUCK. She was survived by her daughter, Lucy Mae SEWELL of Holdenville; four grandchildren, Frances HARJO, Ronnie SEWELL, Connie BUCK, and Barbara WITHERS, all of Holdenville; two great- grandchildren, B.J. BUCK and Natasha HARJO; one sister-in-law, Marie SCOTT of Oklahoma City; and several relatives and friends.
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February 1997

BUTCHER
OKEMAH - Sampson BUTCHER was born March 1, 1912, north of Okemah. He died January 1, 1997, at Creek Nation Community Hospital. Wake services were held January 5 followed by funeral services January 6, both at Prairie Springs Baptist Church, where he was a member. Officiating the funeral was Rev. Boots FIXICO. Interment was in the family cemetery.
He was Nokosvlke and an active member of Okfuskee Ceremonial Ground, where most of his time centered around his helishopoya duties. He was the paternal great-grandson of Hoktuceafvnoke, a Nuyaka Tribal Town girl whose parents died on the forced removal march from Georgia to what would become Indian Territory. He was a farmer and resided in the Okemah area all his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norfer and Donna Bear BUTCHER; his wife, Mary Jane Yargee BUTCHER; and two sons, Sampson BUTCHER, Jr., and Robert Lee BUTCHER, Sr. He was survived by his daughter, Leona SANDERS of Cromwell; his son, Jay McGIRT of Tulsa; 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

LEGGAT
LOMA LINDA, CA - Helen Gatlin LEGGAT was born January 20, 1905, in Hanna, IT. She died January 18, 1997, at Loma Linda Medical Center. At her request, no funeral services were held and the family requested memorials and contributions be made to Murrow Indian Children’s home in Muskogee, OK.
She was an original enrollee and had lived on the Monterey Peninsula for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Major George LEGGAT. Her survivors include her sister, Wilma KELLY of Marina, CA; a half-sister, Erla COX of Tyler, TX; a half-brother, Cecil GATLIN of Claremore; her two daughters, Betty DEVLIN of Yuma, AZ, and Billye GIROTTI of Monterey; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.
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March 1997

CHAUDHURI
TEMPE, AZ - Ella Jean Hill CHAUDHURI was born May 29, 1937, at the Okfuskee County allotment of her grandfather, James SCOTT. She died February 17, 1997, at her Tempe, AZ, home. Funeral services were held February 21, 1997, at Tempe Mortuary.
She attended Eufaula Boarding School, Tulsa Central High School, Oklahoma City Public Schools and several universities. She was active in Mvskokvlke teachings of the four seasons of a woman’s life. She belonged to the Bear Clan, Oceapofv Tribal Town, and was the daughter of the Bird Clan and Greenleaf Tribal Town. She was the granddaughter of Micco Elmer HILL of Fish Pond and Rhoda YAHOLA. Her parents, Wilburn and Mary Ann HILL, were associated with Greenleaf Baptist Church and actively involved in spiritual work in the Muscogee Nation and Florida. She and her three siblings, Clifton, Nathaniel and Rechinda, assisted them. She was a civil rights activist, a lobbyist, and a supporter and participant in many grassroots Indian activities. She had worked on collecting Creek and Seminole oral history and had written an unpublished book “A Sacred Path: The Way of the Muscogee Creek” based upon her collection. She also was involved in writing, theater, dancing, storytelling, and spiritual counseling.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, and her two brothers. She was survived by her husband, Joy CHAUDHURI; her two sons, Joydev “Paul” Mahagi, and Jonodev “Jon” Osceola; her sister; a nephew, Lance (no last name given); and her mother-in-law, Sulata CHAUDHURI.

PHILLIPS
EUFAULA - Thomas “Culotkv” PHILLIPS was born May 31, 1948, in Eufaula. He died December 25, 1996, in Tulsa. Funeral services were held December 28 at Artussee Indian Baptist Church, where he was a member. Officiating the service were Rev. Dion FRANCIS and Rev. Jimmy ALEXANDER. Pallbearers were Sam MARSHALL, Robert FRANCIS, Jackson LEWIS, Gary KING, Francis LEWIS, and Joe MCGIRT. Honorary pallbearers were Birdcreek PHILLIPS, Bob KING, Joe SULPHUR, Richard OSBURN, and Arnold FIELDS. Graveside honors were presented by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard. Interment was in the veterans section of Eufaula Greenwood Cemetery.
He served on Army active duty for 10 years and was in the U.S. Army Reserves for 16 years. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, attaining sergeant first class rank. He was employed as a maintenance worker for the State of Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia PHILLIPS. His survivors included his parents, Willie and Martha PHILLIPS of Eufaula; his wife, Sharon Lentz PHILLIPS of the home; his two children, Nathan and Laura PHILLIPS, both of South Carolina; one grandson; four sisters, Anna KING of Tulsa, Alice OSBURN of Okay, Rose Mary SULPHUR of Kansas City, MO, and Stephanie PHILLIPS of Tahlequah; four brothers, Raymond TIGER, Matthew PHILLIPS, Anthony PHILLIPS, and Adam PHILLIPS, all of Eufaula.

FIELDS
HITCHITA - Rose Marie FIELDS was born August 27, 1926, near Morris. She died February 14, 1997, in Okmulgee. Wake services were held February 17 followed by funeral services February 18, both at Grave Creek Baptist Church where she was a member. Rev. Chris HARJO officiated the funeral. Pallbearers were Billy RICHARDS, Bourbon LaSARGE, Jerry ROBERTS, Billy GRIMES, Robert MITCHELL, Jerry DAVIS, Bob McCART, Jimmy CARTER, Kenneth TIGER, and Floyd JONES. No information was given on the place of interment.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Soloman and Cinda Hill FIELDS; her two sons, Daniel BROWN and Paul JOHNSON; and her daughter, Phyllis BROWN. Her survivors include her fours sons, Solomon JOHNSON and Joseph JOHNSON, both of Okmulgee, and Cy JOHNSON and George JOHNSON, both of Tulsa; her three daughters, Wanda MILLES of Morris, Beverly GRUMMETT and Jessina TORRES, both of Dallas, TX; four foster children, Geraldine BERRYHILL of Okmulgee, Bo JOHNSON of McAlester, Amber TIGER and Jerome TIGER, both of Morris; one brother and sister, Wiley SAMPSON and Alice FREEMAN, both of Okmulgee; 38 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

YARGEE
NUYAKA - Shirley Ann YARGEE was born February 17, 1947, in Claremore. She died February 19, 1997, in Tulsa. Wake services were held February 20 at Robert Simons Funeral Home followed by funeral services February 21 at Nuyaka Indian Baptist Church, where she was a member. No information was given on the place of interment.
She was a homemaker and the daughter of Frisco and Francis Birdcreek ROBERTS, both deceased. She was survived by her husband, Amon YARGEE of the home; her two sons, Frisco YARGEE of the home, and Randy ROBERTS of Oklahoma City; her daughter, Gene YARGEE of Oklahoma City; four brothers, Terry ROBERTS, Mandrell ROBERTS, and Allen ROBERTS, all of Tulsa, and Tony ROBERTS of Wyoming; two sisters, Ida ROBERTS of Tulsa and Lena BEMO of Sapulpa; nine grandchildren and one great- grandchild.
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April 1997

BARNABY
EUFAULA - Pauline Beatrice BARNABY was born March 28, 1918, at Community 42, Hanna. She died February 26, 1997. Wake services were held February 27 followed by funeral services on February 28, both at Tuskegee Baptist Church, where she was a member. Rev. Allen Colbert officiated the funeral. Pallbearers were Sam MARSHALL, DeWayne MARSHALL, Bunny HILL, Kenneth COLBERT, Rick COLBERT, and Bobby SULLIVAN. Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Taylor PHILLIPS, Dan DREW, Charley COLBERT, Ernest MARSHALL, Tom McCOMBS, and Perry McCOMBS. Burial was in Tuskegee Cemetery.  
She was a clerk for Sante Fe Trailways. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tucker and Polly McCombs MARSHALL; her husband, Harold BARNABY, whom she married in 1965 in Pryor; six brothers, Sam MARSHALL, Ben MARSHALL, Silas MARSHALL, Sandy MARSHALL, Howard MARSHALL, and Joe MARSHALL; and two sisters, Mabel DICK and Ernestine EDWARDS.
She was survived by her daughter, Betty Arlene MAYES of Henderson; her son, Charles Norman DRYWATER of Washington, DC; two sisters, Leona COLBERT of Eufaula, and Helen DIONNE of Los Angeles, CA; one brother, Ernest MARSHALL of Muskogee; a grandson, Anthony Scott LAMB; a granddaughter, Mary Ellen STONEBURGER of Disney; and seven great-grandchildren.

KINSEY
SAPULPA - Jerri KINSEY was born May 11, 1929, in Sapulpa. She died December 20, 1996, at Hillcrest Medical Center. Wake services were held December 23 at Smith’s Funeral Home followed by funeral services December 24 at North Heights Freewill Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Jerry BAKER. Pallbearers were Paige Allen WHITE, Eric Lee SPENCER, Phillip MOORE, Ted Ashley TIGER, Brian Allen WATASHE, and Victor Ramon ANDERSON, Jr. Honorary pallbearers were her nephews. Burial was in Green Hills Memorial Garden.
She was a member of Old Rock Creek Methodist Church. She worked for many years at Liberty Glass and served as president for the Glass, Pottery and Plastics Allied Workers union. Until her death she served as chair for Sapulpa Indian Community.
She was the daughter of Wesley and LouAnna Tom BARNETT, both deceased.
Her survivors include her husband, Norman HARJO of the home; her three sons, Steve KINSEY of Kellyville, Shawn BARNETT of the home, and Timothy BARNETT of Altus; her two daughters, Pam BARNETT of Glenpool, and Rebecca BARNETT of Tulsa; 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary WATASHE of Kellyville, Annie WATASHE of Sapulpa, and Nancy Jo HARRY of Liberty Mounds; and one brother, Harrison BARNETT of Sapulpa.

RUMSEY
LITTLE COWETA - Lillie Morrison RUMSEY was born May 9, 1901, at Lenna. She died February 26, 1997. Funeral services were held March 1 at Little Coweta Baptist Church, where she was a member, with Rev. Charles STORY officiating. Pallbearers were Steve RUMSEY, Jeff RUMSEY, Ray RUMSEY, Mark RUMSEY, Josh RUMSEY, and Abe McINTOSH. Honorary pallbearers were Mitch RUMSEY and Dennis VANGEL. Interment was in the Rumsey Family Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hence and Nancy Atkinson MORRISON; two brothers, Luke MORRISON and Ernest MORRISON; three sisters, Hettie DERISAW, Susie McFARLAND, Bessie BRIGHTMAN; two children, Raymond RUMSEY and Ruth RUMSEY; and one granddaughter, Reba Rumsey CHURCH.
She was survived by her husband, Pink RUMSEY, whom she married August 4, 1919, at Fame; three children, Jack RUMSEY and Louise McINTOSH, both of Stidham, and Jon RUMSEY of Newcastle; one sister, Bettie DERISAW of Stidham; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

VINCENT
TULSA - Doretha Stubbs VINCENT was born February 14, 1922, in Paden. She died February 27, 1997. Funeral services were held March 3 at Carbondale Church of Christ with Rev. Marty KESSLER, Rev. Phillip COON, and Rev. Bobby WOODFIELD officiating. Burial was in Floral Haven Cemetery, Veterans’ Field of Honor.
She was the daughter of the Raccoon Clan and Tukvpvtce Tribal Town. She began a career in journalism at the Okmulgee Daily Times during World War II and worked for Retherford Publications for over 20 years.  She received many awards for her Tulsa County News Column “West of the River.” She received awards from such organizations as Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, Camp Fire Girls, Tulsa Area Safety Council, the U.S. Army, Southwest Tulsans, Inc., and Red Fork Lions. She also was named to “Who’s Who in American Women” for 1975-76.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Martin and Effie Gretchen Powers BEAVER; one sister, Elizabeth KOPFLE; one grandson, John Crow IV; and her two late husbands, Everett W. STUBBS and James M. VINCENT.  
Her survivors include one brother, Joe M. BEAVER of Scottsdale, AZ; her three daughters, Barbara GOODMAN of Henryetta, Donna POWDERS and Shelly CROW, both of Tulsa; a stepson and daughter, Jimmy VINCENT and Peggy YALES, both of Stigler; five grandsons; one granddaughter; four great-granddaughters; and three great-grandsons.
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May 1997

ARTUSSEE
OKMULGEE - Yahola ARTUSSEE was born February 22, 1927, in McIntosh County. He died March 30, 1997. Graveside services were held April 2 at the Artussee Family Cemetery with Tony HICKS officiating. Pallbearers were Ty HICKS, Scotty HARJO, Arnold MEELY, Preston MEELY, Allen KING, and Harley LEWIS.
He was a retired foreman for Buntee Candy Company. He was an elder and former empunayv of Apekv Tribal Town and a tribal council member.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mose and Luila ARTUSSEE; and two brothers (unnamed). He was survived by his wife, Annie Factor ARTUSSEE, whom he married on December 27, 1952, in Grady County; his daughter, Joyce METHLO of NM; and two sisters, Ina ARTUSSEE and Juanita ARTUSSEE, both of Okmulgee.

CRAWFORD
OKMULGEE - Kathryn Louise CRAWFORD was born February 10, 1926, in Okmulgee. She died March 24, 1997. Funeral services were held March 28 at Second Baptist Church with Dr. Bob BURCH officiating. Pallbearers were Tim REED, Jeff REED, Bobby SLATON, Brian RAEFIELD, Robert STEWART, and Tex STEWART. Interment was in Okmulgee Cemetery.  
She worked many years for Muscogee Nation and was a mamber of Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Malinda Tiger THAMES; and her husband J.T. CRAWFORD in 1984; and her daughter Patricia REED in 1995.
She was survived by her son, Michael RAEFORD of Okmulgee; two remaining daughters, Judy STEWARD of Warner, and Johnnie Lou BENNETT of Cushing; two brothers, Donald THAMES of Okmulgee, and Carl THAMES of Vista, CA; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

FRANCIS
EUFAULA - Daniel FRANCIS was born May 16, 1928. He died March 30, 1997, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Muskogee. Funeral services were held April 2 at Artussee Baptist Church with Rev. Morris BARNETT officiating. Pallbearers were Rocky BILLEY, Casey JAMES, Warren JAMES, Seleetka JAMES, Joshua JAMES, Sherrell TSOODLE, and Deion FRANCIS. Honorary pallbearers were his lifelong friends, Birdcreek PHILLIPS, Willie PHILLIPS, Morris BARNETT, and Noah DEERE. Burial was at Greenwood Cemetery in Eufaula.
He had attended school at Deere’s Chapel and Jones Academy and earned his associates degree at Bacone College. At Bacone, he played on the varsity baseball team and participated in choir activities with the Redman Singers.
He was a full blood Mvskoke. He served in the National Guard 45th Infantry Division and the U.S. Army for 21 years. As a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars, he was awarded a Silver Star and a presidential unit citation. He was a member of his local American Legion. After retiring as a sergeant first class from his military service, he was employed 15 years as a guard at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. He retired from there and devoted his time to service in Artussee Baptist Church as a practicing deacon and Sunday School teacher.
He was the son of Lizzie Bright and Garfield FRANCIS, both deceased. He was survived by two sisters, Betty BILLEY of Keota, and Cherry TSOODLE of Anadarko; one brother, Franklin FRANCIS of Oklahoma City, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

JEFFLEY
CHICAGO, IL - Robert JEFFLY was born July 18, 1923, in Salem. He died September 8, 1996, at Michael Reece Hospital. Funeral services were held September 14 at Carter Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ricki VAUGH and James GATES officiating. No information was given on the place of interment.
He was raised in Weleetka, had worked in Montana and Kansas, and had been employed with Campbell Soup Company in Chicago until taking a medical retirement due to an industrial accident.
He was the son of Fannie McNac and Dave Tewee JEFFLEY, both deceased. He was survived by his four daughters, Shirley GRUNDY of Oklahoma City, Michelle JEFFLEY of Chicago, IL, Jackie JEFFLEY of Houston, TX, and Tedi JEFFLEY of Jefferson, TX; his two sons, Robert JEFFLEY, Jr., and Dave Jeffley, both of Jefferson, TX; three sisters, Minnie JEFFLEY of Weleetka, Alice Mae LINDSEY of Bristow, and Rose Lee BUSTAMANTE of Lawton; four brothers, Jessie JEFFLEY of Kansas City, MO, Bill BUCKLEY of Oklahoma City, and Edmond BUCKLEY and Richard BUCKLEY, both of Weleetka; ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

HARJO
HVTCECVPV - Robert Dale HARJO was born December 11, 1972, at Claremore. He died April 11, 1997, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. Funeral services were held April 14 at Hutchechuppa Baptist Church with Rev. John RILEY and Rev. Alex LOWE officiating. Interment was in the Wiley-Watson Cemetery.
He was a graduate of Tulsa East Central High School and was employed with the family business, Harjo Lawn and Tree Service. He was affiliated with Harvest Christian Church.
He was the son of Albert and Polly Biggs HARJO. His father survived. He also was survived by his siblings, James HARJO, Billy HARJO, Johnny HARJO, Betty HARJO, Kim HARJO, Wanda HARJO, Bobby HARJO, Stanley HARJO, and Sasonya HARJO; and many other relatives and friends.

LOWE
TRENTON - Tom LOWE was born August 13, 1916, in Weleetka. He died March 12, 1997, at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City. Funeral services were held March 15 at Trenton Baptist Church, where he was a member and a deacon. Rev. J.D. ROBERTS and Rev. Malcom TIGER officiated. Pallbearers were Estecate Color Guard from Seminole. Burial was in the Proctor Family Cemetery in Hanna.
He belonged to Alabama Tribal Town and was one of the the last Alabamans in Oklahoma. He spoke the Alabama language fluently, but he also spoke a generally understood dialect of the Mvskokvlke (Muscogee) language also. He was a machine gunner with the 164th Infantry Army during World War II, but he also was a driver for Gen. Douglas MacARTHUR. During his military service, he won the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Star, and the APT Ribbon with one Bronze Star.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Annie Beaver LOWE, and his wife, Mandy Proctor LOWE. He was survived by his daughter, Wanda WILLIAMSON of Hanna; his three sons, Amos LOWE and Thomas LOWE, both of Hanna, and Eddie LOWE of Texanna; thirteen grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

WILLIE
BIG CUSSETAH - Samuel WILLIE was born May 11, 1937, in Pawnee. He died March 8, 1997, at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa. Funeral services were held March 11 at Big Cussetah United Methodist Church with Rev. Jimmy ALEXANDER and Rev. Harry LONG officiating. Pallbearers were Namon BULLET, Howard SMITH, Perry BEAVER, John TULSA, Garry BERRYHILL, and Glen JONES. Honorary pallbearers were his nephews.
He was a construction worker and a longtime resident of Morris. He was the son of George Tooskey and Maryland Harjo WILLIE. His father was deceased. His mother survives. His other survivors include his wife, Augustine Lowe WILLIE; his son, Tooskey WILLIE of Tulsa; two brothers, Johnny WILLIE of Morris, and Wilson WILLIE of Tulsa; four sisters, Georgia LAYTON of Okmulgee, Carolyn JOHN of Idabel, and Katherine WILLIE and Christine BERRYHILL, both of Morris; and many nieces and nephews.
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June 1997

BELL
GLENPOOL - Gladys “Shorty” BELL was born January 20, 1904, in Glenpool. She died April 22, 1997, in Okmulgee. Funeral services were held April 25 at First Grace Church with Rev. Bob THOMAS officiating. Music for the service was provided by Leonard CROCKETT, Luther METCALF and Wade HUNTER. Pallbearers were Jim BLACKFORD, Dennis CHAFFIN, Leon BARNHART, Pete CLEVELAND, Herb EASTHAM, and Jay HUNTER. Interment was in Bixby Cemetery.
She was an original enrollee and the daughter of William and Nettie Barber COLEMAN, both deceased. She was married to Percy BELL who preceded her in death. She was survived by one daughter, Marjorie SMITHEE of Bixby; one grandson, Ronny SMITHEE of Harrah; three great-grandchildren Derek SMITHEE, Kirk SMITHEE, and Dayna DUKE; and five great-great-grandchildren.

BERRYHILL
BILLINGS, MT - Martha BERRYHILL was born May 21, 1919, in Okmulgee. She died February 7, 1997, in Santa Rosa, CA. Private memorial services were held February 14 at Neuhardt Funeral Home. Pallbearers were her five grandsons and Ken BURT. Honorary pallbearers was Ed DINKLE. No information was given on the place of interment.
She was married to James BERRYHILL in 1937. No information whether he survives or is deceased. She was preceded in death by her brother, Roman KANARD of Pauls Valley, and sister, Elizabeth TARPALECHEE of Okmulgee. She was survived by her son, Ronald BERRYHILL of Santa Rosa; her daughters, Melissa RAINS of Billings, and Peggy BERRYHILL of Bodega Bay, CA; friend, Susan RUSCHMEYER of Bodega Bay, CA; grandchildren, Judy BURT, Teresa DINKEL, James RAINS, Jr., Mark RAINS, Randy RAINS, Steven RAINS, and Dustin RAINS; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and many Oklahoma relatives.

BUTLER
HOLDENVILLE - Alice Bighead BUTLER was born September 19, 1930, near Bilby in Hughes County. She died May 8, 1997, at her home. Funeral services were held May 10 at the Hudson-Phillips Funeral Chapel with Rev. Alec LOWE and Rev. David WILDE officiating. Pallbearers were Tommy BIGHEAD, Daniel SIMMERS, John TAINPEAH, Jr., Roger BUTLER, Kelly DAVIS, and Tony DAVIS. Honorary pallbearers were Andy BUTLER, Mickey DAVIS, Wesley BUTLER, Jr., and Tony MARTIN. Burial was in the Many Springs Cemetery.
She was reared in Hughes County, attended Little River School and was a member of Many Springs Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Nora Porter BIGHEAD; and her husband, Robert BUTLER in 1973; two brothers, and two sisters.
She was survived by one daughter, Flora DAVIS of Sapulpa; a granddaughter, Sherry BUTLER of Tahlequah; a grandson, Anson DAVIS of Sapulpa; a companion, Bennie DEER of the home; three nephews, T. Ray BIGHEAD of Seminole, Johnny BIGHEAD, and Leon HARJO, both of Oklahoma City; and many other relatives and friends.

COX
OKMULGEE - Lilly Simms Bigpond COX was born May 15, 1925, in Sapulpa. She died April 20, 1997, at Tulsa Columbia Regional Hospital. Funeral services were held April 23 at New Town United Methodist Church with Rev. Harry LONG, Rev. Jake WILDCAT, and Rev. Lawrence KAHPEO, Jr., officiating.  Pallbearers were Mark WATASHE, Neigel BIGPOND, Jr., Joe WATASHE, Jerry WILSON, Alfred BERRYHILL, and Ted REED. Honorary pallbearers were Eli WALKER, Yahola SIMMS, Jr., Tony FERGUSON, Sammy CHUPCO, Bill DOWDY, Steven WALKER, and James WALKER. Interment was in the family cemetery south of Bristow.
She attended Prairie Pickett Public School and Kellyville School and was graduated from Haskell Institute in 1944. She was married to former Muscogee Nation Principal Chief Claude COX during his five terms in that office.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Maxey and Sawena Long SIMMS, both deceased. Also preceding her in death were a son, a brother, and four sisters. She was survived by her husband, Claude COX, her daughters, Lannie Pauline BIGPOND of Bristow; three sons, Gregory Eugene BIGPOND of Sapulpa, Niegel BIGPOND of Mounds, and Timothy BIGPOND of Preston; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Rosie SIMMS, Maxine WATASHE, and Madja SIMMS, all of Sapulpa; two step daughters, Billie STERNER and Kogie KEITH, both of Okmulgee; and many other relatives and friends.

HILL
OKMULGEE - Mabel HILL was born May 7, 1914, in Henryetta. She died May 26, 1997, in Okmulgee. Wake services were held May 29 followed by funeral services May 30, both held at Okmulgee Indian Baptist Church, where she was a member. Rev. Morris BARNETT and Rev. Michael TAYLOR officiated the funeral. Pallbearers were he grandsons. Interment was in Okmulgee Indian Baptist Church Cemetery.
She was a housewife. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmond and Lucy West LEWIS; her husband, Jim HILL; and her son, Will SAMPSON, Jr. Her survivors include her two daughters, Norma BIBLE of the home, and Vena RANDALL of Okmulgee; 23 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

MCCOY
COWETA - Melissa McCOY was born February 3, 1920 in Mounds. She died May 30, in Bixby. Wake services were held June 1 followed by funeral services June 3. Both services were at Cedar Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Jim KERR officiating the funeral. No information was given on the place of interment.
She had lived in Tulsa all her life and was retired from St. Francis Hospital in 1979, but later worked at the Creek Nation Senior Citizens Gift Shop. She was a member and trustee of Belvin Baptist Church in Okmulgee.  
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Sally Smith TIGER; a son, Jerry NOBLE; a daughter, Barbara NOBLE; two brothers and one sister. She was survived by her daughters, Mary SHIRLEY of Okmulgee, Loretta KELLEY of Tulsa, Joyce McMAHON of Hulbert, Cecilia MOORE of Muskogee, Diana HUNT of Skiatook, Janice TILLEY and Alice LOCUST, both of Bixby; and one son, Melvin McCOY, Jr., of Winchester; a brother, Thomas TIGER of Sapulpa; sisters, Virginia NOBLE of Broken Arrow, Genie NOBLE of Coweta, and Nancy McINTOSH of Oakhurst; 21 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

MOORE
RAINY MOUNTAIN - Kenneth Clyde MOORE was born May 6, 1916 in Okmulgee County. He died May 4, 1997. Wake services were held May 5 at McClendon Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a second Wake service May 6 and funeral services May 7 at Rainy Mountain Kiowa Baptist Church. Interment was in Rainy Mountain Cemetery.
Military service interrupted his schooling while he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. He served in several battles and campaigns - northern France, Rhineland, Austria, Ardennes, and Central Europe. He attained the rank of captain and was awarded several decorations and citations: American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Medal.  
He attended Euchee Mission Boarding School, graduated from Chilocco Indian School in 1936, and Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical School (now Oklahoma State University) in 1947 with two degrees, a bachelor of science and master of science in education. He taught at Marlow, Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, and Chilocco Indian School and retired from teaching in 1980. In his teaching career he was an Oklahoma Coaches Association member, an Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee, a Chilocco Indian School Hall of Fame inductee, a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan.  
He was preceded in death by his parents, William N. and Eva Leona Matlock MOORE; and four brothers, Napoleon Bonaparte MOORE, Kelly R. MOORE, Maurice MOORE, and Willie MOORE. He was survived by his wife, Loraine MOORE of Morris; his son, John R. MOORE of Tulsa, his daughter, Elizabeth L. PALMER of Arkansas City; and three granddaughters, Sharon Rene’, Kara Louise, and Nicolette Rene’; six brothers, John R. MOORE of Macon GA, Thomas E. MOORE of Okmulgee, Edwin S. MOORE of Muskogee, Marcy M. MOORE of Concharty, Glenn M. MOORE of Morris, and Lawrence R. MOORE of Okmulgee; and numerous other relatives.

TOPPING
BROKEN ARROW - Cleo Marie TOPPING was born April 27, 1913, on the Coweta-area farm of her great-uncle, Alvin T. HODGE. She died May 19, 1997, in Broken Arrow. No information was given on the place or day of her funeral or interment.
She was the daughter of Bedford and Mary Perryman GODWIN, granddaughter of Lewis and Clarissa PERRYMAN, and the great granddaughter of Lewis and Befeeny PERRYMAN, great-great-great-granddaughter of Benjamin PERRYMAN, a founding father of Tulsey Town who experienced the removal of the Creeks from their southeast home to Indian Territory.
She was survived by her two sons, Mark TRUSLER, and Sidney P. “Joe” GRIFFIN; four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
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July 1997

BUCKLEY
SAND CREEK - Charley BUCKLEY was born November 10, 1939, in Hughes County. He died June 23, 1997, at the Claremore Indian Health Center. Funeral services were June 26 at Sand Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Harry ANDERSON officiating. Pallbearers were Tony GREEN, Dave GREEN, Eugene GREEN, Melford HOBIA, John SAMUEL and Eugene JAMES. Interment was at the Buckley Family Cemetery.
Buckley was the son of Henry BUCKLEY and Ella HARJO who preceded him in death. Surviving are his wife Polly; daughters Penny Marie BUCKLEY, Cheryl MEELEY and Crystal BUCKLEY all of Tulsa; six brothers, Jimmy BUCKLEY of Dewar, Solomon BUCKLEY of Tulsa, Frankie BUCKLEY of California, Jonas BUCKLEY of Holdenville, Vincent BUCKLEY of Shawnee, and Richard COONHEAD of Missouri; four sisters, Marie ASBURY of Wichita Falls, TX., Lula SCHWAGMAN of Las Vegas, NV, Leona WILEY of Mannford, and Angela GOLDEN of Okemah; a granddaughter, Sosha Lee MEELEY of Tulsa; several nieces, nephews and relatives.

RECORD
SAPULPA - Alfred Arthur RECORD was born March 18, 1924, in Pickett Prairie. He died June 8, 1997, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. Funeral services were held at the First United Methodist Church on June 11. Interment was in Green Hills Memorial Gardens.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur and Jeanette RECORD; brothers Francis and Lee RECORD, and sisters May CUMMINS and Mary FIELDS.
He is survived by his wife, Delores RECORD, of the home; his children, Alfred Arthur RECORD, Jr. of Jenks, Debbie WHITTAKER of Broken Arrow, Vickie HOLMES of Sapulpa, and Cheryl GORMAN of the home; two sisters, Juanita HARRIS of Hays, KS, and Juliana HUGHES; and 13 grandchildren.

SANDS
CASTLE - Sandra Annette SANDS was born October 18, 1962, at Claremore. She died April 28 in Konawa. Funeral services were held May 1 at Prairie Springs Church with Rev. Joe SMITH officiating. Pallbearers were members of the Prairie Springs Church. Interment was at the Sands Family Cemetery in Castle.
Her parents were Lemley and Lena HICKS. She was preceded in death by her father, one brother, Tommy SANDS, and one sister, Rita SANDS.
Her survivors include her mother of Castle; her children, James, Matthew, and Shanon NUTTLE, all of the home; three brothers, Ronnie SANDS of Ft. Gibson, Rickey SANDS and Bobby SANDS, both of Pennsylvania; and one sister, Stacy SCOTT of Okemah; one half brother, Robert SANDS of Seattle, WA; two half sisters, Sandra GREENROCK of Okemah, and Linda SANDS of Shawnee; and several nieces and nephews.

STOUT
BIG CUSSETAH - Anthony Lee STOUT was born November 21, 1972, in Ardmore. He died May 27, 1997. Funeral services were held May 31 at Big Cussetah Methodist Church.
His parents were Lonnie Paul STOUT and Marian LAYTON. He is survived by his mother and stepfather Marian and Brad TURNER of Sapulpa; his father and stepmother, Lonnie and Cindy STOUT of Ohio; two sons, Deshawn and Kenneth STOUT, both of Okmulgee; three sisters, Tonya STOUT of California, Tami WILLIAMS of Sapulpa, and Elizabeth STOUT of Ohio; grandparents Georgia and David LAYTON, Sr. of Okmulgee, and Oleta and Tony LAURCILLE of California; and great-grandmother Maryland WILLIE of Morris.

YARGEE
SAND CREEK - Sammie “Tubby” Beaver YARGEE was born May 15, 1931, in McIntosh County. He died June 17, 1997, at George Nigh Rehabilitation Center in Okmulgee. Funeral services were held at Sand Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Harry ANDERSON officiating. Pallbearers were Thomas YAHOLA, Houston YAHOLA, Mitchell FISH, George BUNNY, Limbo MANLEY, and Robert BERRYHILL. Interment was in the Alabama-Coushatta Cemetery.
He is survived by brother Bill BEAVER and sister Daisy MARSHALL, both of Wetumka; several half brothers and sisters, and other relatives and friends.

Espoke1997

ANDERSON
PRESTON - Patricia Jean ANDERSON was born December 1, 1929. She died September 6, 1997, at a Tulsa Hospital. Funeral services were held September 10 at Tallahassee Church with Rev. Sammy CHUPCO and Rev. Joe LOWE officiating. A eulogy was given by her nephew, Theodore Checote WALLER. Her nieces, Jean Rhodes and Tiffany WILLIAMS, performed “Amazing Grace” on the flute and clarinet. Interment was in the Tallahassee Cemetery.  
She was preceded in death by her father, Samuel ANDERSON; her mother, Martha Gibson ANDERSON; a sister, Elaine ANDERSON; and a brother, Samuel ANDERSON, Jr.
She was survived by two sisters, Imogene WILKINSON and Jorene COKER; and one brother, Vernon ANDERSON.

HARDING
YPSILANTI, MICH - Douglas Lee HARDING was born May 18, 1928, in Beggs. He died July 3, 1997.  Funeral services were held at Community Church of God, where he was a member. Rev. David HARDING officiated the service. Pallbearers were Harold WIMBERLY, Douglas HARDING, Jr., Patrick COLE, Eddie HARDING, Sr., Rickey HARDING, Robert VENTOUR, Dana BARNES, and Coley COLE. Interment was in Washtenong Memorial Park, Ann Arbor Township, Michigan.
He was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and had served as a deacon of the church, but later joined Community Church of God. He was president of the laborers Local Union No. 959, Ann Arbor, the secretary-treasurer for the State of Michigan Laborers District Council, Lansing, Michigan, and had retired from Barfield Manufacturing Company, Ypsilanti, in 1987.  
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Alice Hanson HARDING, and was raised by the late Will and Elizabeth HANSON; and one brother, David Yargee. He was survived by his wife, Bertha Mae HARDING; one brother, Leroy Ceasar HARDING; his six daughters, Patricia COLE, Alice BARNES, Gwendolyn FRAZIER, Cheryl VENTOUR, Rochelle GARDNER, and Angela WIMBERLY; his seven sons, Douglas HARDING, Jr., Jesse HARDING, Eddie HARDING, Kenneth HARDING, Anthony HARDING, David HARDING, and Rickey HARDING; 30 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

SULLIVAN
BROKEN ARROW - Rev. Jesse James SULLIVAN was born November 20, 1920, in Okemah. He died July 8, 1997, in Tulsa. Wake services were held July 11 at Shurden Funeral Home followed by funeral services July 12 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Harry LONG officiating the funeral, assisted by Newman FRANK, Jr. Pallbearers were Dusty MILLER, Warren HAKEAH, Wendell AUTOBO, Luther JOHNSON, Johnny JOHNSON, and Winslow JOHNSON. Honorary pallbearers were OIMC pastors. No information was given on the place of interment.
He was a member of Thlopthlocco Tribal Town and served as first warrior for four years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and also served in the National Guard of the U.S. Private Service Company 180th Infantry. He was a lithograph pressman at Scott-Rice Print Shop before entering the ministry. He attended Central High School in Tulsa, Cook College of Theology, Phoenix Junior College in AZ, Washburn University in Topeka, KS, Christian Renewal Center in Oklahoma City, Lake Texoma Pastors School, and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. He was the first person to complete requirements for the ministry in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC). He was an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church and attended the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, completing the course of study for the 21st Annual Session of the Utah School on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies. He organized Alcoholics Anonymous of Yuma, AZ, and served on the board as chaplain to its halfway house. He organized the Topeka Mission Church in 1961. It was later renamed the J.J. Sullivan Chapel. In 1962, he organized the Lawrence Mission Church, Lawrence, KS. He was listed in Who’s Who of the United Methodist Church in 1964. Positions he held during his ministry included pastor of 18 local churches, OIMC Northeast District Superintendent, two years, and West District Superintendent, four years. He was an OIMC interpreter, also. He served on the Tulsa Cooperative Ministries Board and the Skyline Ministries Board in Oklahoma City. He was a member of Springtown UMC and the Northeast District Retired Minister Fellowship. He retired from the ministry on June 9, 1997.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Obey and Louisa Cook SULLIVAN; two brothers, Richard SULLIVAN and Jack SULLIVAN; and one sister, Hettie BURGESS. He was survived by his wife, Leona Tiger SULLIVAN, of the home in Broken Arrow; his two sons, James Lee SULLIVAN of Tulsa, and Obie B. SULLIVAN of Broken Arrow; and his daughter, Peggy TUNE of Roff; one sister, Mary Lou SMITH of Matawan, NJ; six grandsons, two great-granddaughters, and nieces and nephews.

TIGER
TULSA - Michael “Skipper” Ray TIGER was born July 6, 1942. He died August 1, 1997 at his home.  Funeral services were held August 5 at Ninde Garden Chapel with Rev. John FIXICO and Dion FRANCIS officiating. Pallbearers were J.R. WISDOM, Matthew WISDOM, Michael WISDOM, Roger BUTLER, Vincent THOMAS, Darren KEAH-TIGH, and Dan FISHER. No information as given on the place of interment.
He belonged to the Bear Clan and Koweta Tribal Town. He graduated from Rogers High School. He attended and was baptized at Westlawn Baptist Church and was employed at Oklahoma Graphics for 16 years. When he moved to Tulsa, he served as Sunday school superintendent at Wekiwa Baptist Church in Sand Springs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Prentice and Hettie Mae TIGER. He was survived by his son, Jason Winston TIGER of Anadarko; his two daughters, Danieala Jean TIGER of Anadarko, and Samarian Mae TIGER of Oklahoma City; two brothers, and Robert James TIGER and Prentice Daniel TIGER, both of Tulsa; three sisters, Sharon Elaine NEIL and Louise WISDOM, both of Tulsa, and Charlene KEAH-TIGH of Miami; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
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Muscogee Nation Index

 Eulala McDowell Pegram