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Bible verse of the day for Thursday
His divine power has given us everything we need for a Godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
--2 Peter 1:3
Sharon Walker
Sharon Blake Walker, 77, of Yukon (previously of Littleton, Colorado) entered heaven Oct. 3, 2023 and was born Jan. 25, 1946 in Idabel to Vernon and Janet (Fry) Blake.
A funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Dowden-Robert Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Burial will follow at the Muse Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Sharon was a loving ex-wife, mother and grandmother.
Upon graduation from Heavener High School in 1964, Sharon went on to attend college at Southeastern University in Durant, Oklahoma where she met her future husband, John Walker.
After moving to California and getting married in Las Vegas the couple found their forever home in Colorado where they would eventually raise their three amazing daughters! For most of the 30+ years that Sharon lived in Colorado she was a homemaker, she made sure that the Walker house ran smoothly and kept things in order. She did hold a few part-time jobs over the years.
Sharon’s real passions were working puzzles, knitting sweaters for everyone, making and selling jewelry, as well as country dancing in her later years. She loved watching her daughters grow into young women, get married and begin their own lives with their children she could enjoy as she became a grandmother.
Sharon was a dynamic woman whose impact will be forever felt by her family, who loves her dearly. Her passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of her loved ones. Her ability to provide, support, forgive, and love will be forever ingrained in all she knew.
She is survived by her ex-husband: John Walker of Littleton, Colorado; three daughters Johnna Williams and Clay of Edwards, Colorado; Courtney Young and Jared of Yukon, and Whittney Gates and Jeff of Littleton, Colorado; grandchildren Gavin Gates, Cole Williams, Chase Williams, Cash Koertner, Cruz Koertner, Case Young and Cora Young; her brother: Ronny Blake and wife Brenda of Howe; nephews Jason Blake and Matthew Blake both of Howe; and a brother-in-law, Joe Walker and Susan of Fort Worth, Texas; as well as several cousins, extended cousins and great nieces and nephews.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents: Veron and Janet Blake.
Pallbearers are Brian Smith, Steve Smith, Jason Blake, Matthew Blake, Rodney Fry, Terry Fry and Jeff Fry. Honorary pallbearers are Bruce Fry, Gavin Gates, Cole Williams, Chase Williams and Case Young.
Viewing is from noon to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
To sign Ms. Walker’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Betty Joe Risley
Graveside service for Betty Joe Risley, 83, of Pocola was Wednesday at Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola with Brother Justin Warren officiating. Burial followed at Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home.
Betty was born Nov. 4, 1939 in Van Buren, Arkansas to Cora (Freeman) and Raymond Albertson and passed away Oct. 2, 2023 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Survivors include her one sister Gayle Kannaday and husband Allen; two brothers Billy Albertson and David Albertson and wife Reba; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Helen Davenport, Beverly Wagoner and Mary Boykin; brother Raymond Albertson, Jr.; and other family members.
You may leave an online message at www.mallorymartinfuneralhome.com.
Eddie Lee Gillham
Eddie Lee Gillham, 69, of Wister was born Aug. 24, 1954 in Heavener to William “Bud” and Bonnie (Brown) Gillham and passed away Sept. 27, 2023 at his residence in Wister.
Memorial service is 2 p.m. Thursday at the Big Creek Baptist Church in Heavener. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Eddie was a longtime resident of the area and the owner of Diamondback Stone Quarry. He was a lover of all things old. Eddie enjoyed antiquing and was a collector of vintage and muscle cars. He spent many days out exploring and searching for old artifacts. He enjoyed the history of all his collections and spent many hours reading and studying them. Eddie was a man of integrity and his word was his bond. He loved spending time with his family and held the honorary title of being called “Uncle Fred” to some of his 59 nieces and nephews.
Surviving family members are his wife, Michele “Shelly” (Dyer) Gillham, of the home; two sisters Rose Anna White and husband Speedy of Yanush, and Judy Kay Roath and husband Floyd of Poteau; one brother Billy Gillham and wife Cindy of Wister; one sister-in-law, Pam Cogburn Gillham; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones, and a host of many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bud” and Bonnie Gillham; and one brother, Gary Gillham.
To sign Eddie’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Christal Pippin
Memorial service for Christal Gail Pippin, 44, of Panama is 11 a.m. Friday at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Howe. Cremation is under the direction of Grace Funeral Service of Poteau.
She was born March 11, 1979 in Stigler to Christa (Muller) McCormick and Jim McCormick and passed away Sept. 29, 2023 in Panama at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was married to Henry Pippin and loved crocheting, reading books, and her dogs.
Christal was preceded in death by her sister, Diana; as well as her grandparents.
Survivors include her husband, Henry Pippin; daughter Angel Parker and husband Sam; step-sons Ray Pippin and Nathaniel Pippin; parents Jim and Christa McCormick; brother Mike McCormick and wife Angela; sister Sylvia Atkins and husband Tony, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.
You may leave an online message at www.gracemanorfh.com.
Betty Hampton
Funeral Service for Betty Jane Hampton, 76, of Poteau was Friday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Jim Cook officiating. Burial followed at Monroe Cemetery, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.
She was born Nov. 9, 1946 in Howe to Georgia Ann (Oliver) Drury and Manuel Richard Drury and passed away Sept. 26, 2023 in Poteau.
Survivors include her husband, Durwin Hampton; son Trent Hampton and wife Tammy; two brothers Don Drury and wife Sondra, and Art Drury and wife Stella; grandchildren Sydney White and husband Cody, and Seth Hampton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Lynn Drury; sisters, Jean Kunkel and Deredia Vanbeber.
Pallbearers were Seth Hampton, John Drury, Tony Drury, Ed Drury, Larry Kunkel and Cody White.
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