Sylvia DeLois (Beggs) & Jessie James "Jack" Rushing

Sylvia DeLois Rushing Gwartney, age 88, of Willis, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024, at her home. She was born on January 5, 1936, in Madill, Oklahoma, to the late Charlie Frank Beggs and Marie Brackens Beggs.

DeLois was united in marriage to Jesse James "Jack" Rushing in 1952 in De Queen, Arkansas and he lovingly referred to her as “Loisy”. Together, they built a home and raised their family on their farm in Willis, Oklahoma, where she created a warm and loving environment for her four children. After Jack's passing, DeLois married her second husband, Jimmy Gwartney, in 1994 in De Queen, Arkansas.

DeLois is survived by her children Phyllis McCullough and husband Don of Kingston, OK; Donna Massey and husband Joe of Oakland, OK; and her stepchildren Joe Gwartney; Bud Gwartney and wife Donna; Billy Gwartney and wife Ericka; Judy Howard and husband Mike; Patsy Watson and husband Gary. Her grandchildren Blue Cogburn and wife Kazumi; Christy Bull and husband Jordan; Bubba McCullough; Angie Cantrell and husband Adam; Shane Carmen; Melissa Robeson; Junior Godfrey; Jody Massey and wife Cheyenne; Jennifer Massey; and her step-grandchildren Sabrina Bell; Wesley Clepper; Stephanie Robinson; Paige Cox; Garrett Gwartney; Jeremy Maurine; Kathryn Gwartney; and Michelle Rainey. 12 great-grandchildren, 13 step-great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, 17 step-great-great-grandchildren; and her sister Margie Ables and family.

DeLois was preceded in death by both of her husbands, her parents, brother Jerry Beggs, children Jackie Godfrey and Debbie Robeson, grandchild Jason Cogburn, and great-grandchildren Dylan McCullough and Sam Joyner.

Throughout her life, DeLois was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and was a member of the Church of Christ. She worked outside of the home for several years but was a homemaker at heart and spent much of her life caring for her family. She found great joy in sewing, going to garage sales, and most of all taking care of her grandchildren. DeLois was affectionately known to all as “Granny”, a title she wore with pride as she shared her love and wisdom with all who were blessed to know her.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregivers, especially her niece, Karen Ables Parker, who lovingly cared for DeLois in her home for the past several years, and to Mandy Tupper, who spent the last few months providing loving care and attending to her every need.

“Granny" will be deeply missed by her family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and love.

A keepsake video is available through the funeral home.

VISITATION
Watts Funeral Home - Madill
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
200 South First
Madill, OK 73446

FAMILY HOUR
Watts Funeral Home - Madill
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
200 South First
Madill, OK 73446

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Woodberry Forest Cemetery
Thursday, November 21, 2024
2:00 PM
1001 S. 1st Street
Madill, OK 73446

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