Lila J. Bearden

Lila Jean Bearden, 80 years old, passed away Monday, March 6, 2017 at the Select Specialty Rehab Hospital at Hillcrest in Tulsa. She was co-owner of B&B Fireworks and was the superintendent's secretary, music teacher, and school treasurer for 18 years. Lila was a talented musician and served 30 years as pianist of the Town and County Church in Okmulgee. Lila was born September 3, 1936 at Ft. Cobb, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Wilma Marie Wilkerson Rogers and Luther Rogers. She attended Ft. Cobb schools all 12 years and graduated with honors in 1954. Lila was a 4 year member of the FHA chapter, the Lady Longhorn basketball team, the high school chorus and was a talented singer and piano player, placing high in districts and state competition. She was the proud winner of the Caddo County Farm Bureau Queen contest. She taught Sunday School class for 6 years at the Ft. Cobb Church of Christ and had a 14 year perfect attendance at the church meeting 3 times a week. Lila was united in marriage to Binger High School graduate William V. Bearden, Sr. on June 5, 1954 in the home of sister Maye and Jack Deason at the Grandview Shorthorn Ranch near Ft. Cobb. Pastor Max Love officiated the wedding. Sister Maye introduced Lila to Vernon at the teenage party sponsored by the Foster Home Demonstration Club. To this happy strong 62 year marriage, four children were born. Bill Bearden Jr., of rural Morris, Carol and Todd King of Bixby, Gracie Kaye Bearden of Norman, and Stan the Man and Sharon Bearden of Tulsa. Lila is survived by all four children and husband William V. Bearden Sr. Others survivors include 10 grandchildren Lori and Raymond Moore of Edmond, Jennifer and Jeremy Avery of Morris, Jonathan and Loubna of Morris, Michelle Giddens of Morris, Afton and Patrick McManus of Glenpool, Clint Tolbert and Keith Tolbert of Moore, Nicholas and Nathan Bearden of Tulsa and Emily Cervini of Norman. Twelve great grandchildren include Mia and Max Moore of Edmond, Jaxen Cole, Lillie and Sutton Giddens, Jake and Jessa Avery, Luke and Hendrix Tolbert, Emma and Allie Morris and Maddox Tolbert. Lila is also survived by a special second daughter Susan Bratt and special friend Ethan Edmerson and Leta Crandell Tolbert. Other special family survivors include brother Jimmy Rogers and wife Bonnie of Ft. Cobb, nephew Larry Rogers and wife Karen of Rural Ft. Cobb, Jerry Rogers of Ft. Worth, Texas, Beverly Rogers, Dr. David and Barbara Deason of Piedmont, Mervin Deason and wife Sue of Yukon, Kathy Rogers of Yukon, Dr. Gene Drake of Tulsa, niece Jackie and Mike McComas of Anadarko, Debra and Dr. Lon Bair of Stillwater, Woody and Jenna Bearden of Pauls Valley and Lamar and Jenna Bearden of Lindsey. Lila was a member of the Town and County Christian Church in Okmulgee, the order of Eastern Star and the Beta Sigma Phi. Preceding Lila in death were her mother Wilma Marie Wilkerson Rogers, father Luther Rogers, sister Maye and husband Jack Deason, brother Cecil and Norma Lee Rogers, sister in law Sue Rogers and Grandma and Grandpa Wilkerson, Grandma and Grandpa Rogers along with many, many friends. Services celebrating the life of Lila will be held Friday, March 10 at 3:00 P.M. at the Trinity Baptist Church west of Morris with Reverend Tim Creighton officiating and burial will follow in the Morris Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Clint and Keith Tolbert, Jonathan Morris, David Shannon and Nicholas and Nathan Bearden. Honorary pallbearers are Raymond Moore, Jeremy Avery, Patrick Lamar, Woody Bearden, and Leo Brown. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Lila’s Tribute Page of our website at www.mcclendon-winters.com

Lila J. Bearden

September 3, 1936 - March 6, 2017