Wilson Cemetery

Wilson, Coal County, Oklahoma

© Brown's Funeral Service, Atoka. Ok
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Bessie Lou Claunch Bills

March 30, 1928 ~ June 16, 2023

Bessie Lou Claunch Bills, a cherished matriarch, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith. Born on March 30, 1928, in Slick Creek, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of James Cecil Claunch and Vernice Opal Griffith. Bessie married the love of her life, Herman Ellis Bills, on October 15, 1948, in the town of Roundup, Musselshell 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, Oklahoma. Bessie and Herman were blessed with three sons, Ronnie Joe Bills, John Edward Bills, and James Randall Bills. Bessie 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. After graduating from Atoka High School, Bessie remained connected to her classmates, maintaining lifelong friendships with many. 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.

SURVIVED BY
She is survived by her grandchildren: Justin Ellis Bills and his wife Jennifer of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Joshua Wayne Bills and his wife Sarah of Tupelo, Oklahoma; Randa Joy Bills and her partner Mitchell Phillips of Ada, Oklahoma; Andy John Bills of Washington, Oklahoma; Krystal Lynn Rachal and her husband Garrett of Oklahoma City, OK; Brian Scott of Duncan, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law Christie Bills of Tupelo, Oklahoma. Bessie's spirit lives on through her great-grandchildren: Shania Nicole Morgan and her husband Dakota of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Meaghan Spencer and her husband Trenton of Stonewall, Oklahoma; Breann Quaid of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Darian Quaid of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Judd Quaid of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Bentley James Bills of Tupelo, Oklahoma; Peyton Jarrett Bills of Tupelo, Oklahoma; Reid Phillips of Ada, Oklahoma. 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.
PRECEDED IN DEATH BY
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.