Bessie Lou Bills
Funeral services for Bessie Lou Bills, a longtime Tupelo, OK resident, were held Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Tupelo Church of Christ with Bro. Wendell Ingram officiating Burial was in Wilson Cemetery in Clarita, OK with Brown’s Funeral Service of Atoka in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Bills was born March 30, 1928 in Slick Creek, Oklahoma to James Cecil Claunch and Vernice Opal Griffith. Bessie Lou Claunch Bills, a cherished matriarch, passed away June 16, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and faith at the age of 95 year, 2 months and 17 days.
After graduating from Atoka High School, Bessie remained connected to her classmates, maintaining lifelong friendships with many. She married the love of her life, Herman Ellis Bills on October 15, 1948 in the town of Roundup, Mussleshell County, Montana. Together they embarked on a journey across various states,following the oil fields, before eventually settling down on their homestead and ranch in Tupelo., OK. Bessie and her husband were blessed with three sons, Ronnie Joe Bills, John Edward Bills and James Randall Bills. She cherished her role as a mother, pouring her love and devotion into her children’s lives. Tragically, she experienced the heartbreak of losing all three sons before her own passing. Although their absence created an undeniable void, their memories continued to live on in her heart. She found solace and guidance in her spirituality, devoting herself to the church and reading her Bible nightly. Bessie was a natural-born storyteller, captivating her audience with her tales, and possessed an extraordinary ability to bring joy and laughter to those around her. Her infectious laughter filled every room she entered, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience it.
Bessie had an insatiable passion for genealogy and was regarded as the family historian. She possessed an uncanny ability to trace connections to relatives across the United States, ensuring that no matter where she went, a familiar face or shared bloodline was waiting. Her home was a warm and welcoming sanctuary, where the front door was always open, and family celebrations were marked by abundance, love, and heartfelt prayers of thanks led by her beloved husband, Herman.
Bessie was a member and dedicated many years of her life to the Church of Christ in Tupelo and contributed her skills to the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company until her retirement. Following her retirement, she reveled in the joy of working in her garden, nurturing the beautiful blooms that mirrored her own vibrant spirit. She loved going to ballgames with grandkids.
She is survived by her grandchildren: Justin Ellis Bills and his wife Jennifer of Ardmore, Joshua Wayne Bills and his wife Sarah of Tupelo, Randa Joy Bills and her partner Mitchell Phillips of Ada, Andy John Bills of Washington, Ok, Krystal Lynn Rachal and her husband Garrett of Oklahoma City, Brian Scott of Duncan, Ok, and daughter-in-law Christie Bills of Tupelo. Bessie’s spirit lives on through her great-grandchildren: Shania Nicole Morgan and her husband Dakota of Tahlequah, Ok; Meaghan Spencer and her husband Trenton of Stonewall, Breann Quaid, Darian Quaid, and Judd Quaid all of Ardmore, Bentley James Bills, Peyton Jarrett Bills both of Tupelo, Reid Phillips of Ada. Lastly, she is survived by her loving sisters Fran Salyer and Ann Hyatt, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends who will dearly miss this wonderful soul.
Bessie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herman, her parents, James Cecil Claunch and Vernice Opal Griffith, her sons Ronnie Bills, John Bills, and Randy Bills, as well as her brothers Earl and Robert Claunch and her sisters Faye Woods and Lola Claunch Perkins.
Casketbearers were Tony Stevens, Jim Miller, Ed King, Larry Westbrook and Kenny Ray. Honorary bearers were Eddie Campbell, Dane Brecheen, Johnny Flowers, and Charles Canida.