Bernice M. Snelson

April 11, 1942 - March 21, 2022

Bernice Marie (Booker) Snelson, a long-time resident of Preston, Oklahoma, left this earth on Monday, March 21st, following a tragic farm accident. She was helping put cows up, a task she had successfully completed dozens, if not hundreds, of times and we would have expected nothing less from her petite, but strong, 4’10” frame. It was in her nature to be a helper and a fixer. It’s who she was. Bernice was born April 11, 1942 to Homer and Hazel (Croslin) Booker in Snyder, Oklahoma. The 7th of 12 children. She graduated from Preston High School in 1960. On May 28, 1960, Bernice married Robert (Bob) Lee Snelson. They were married for 61 years and even now it seems impossible to imagine him without her by his side. They raised 3 children and 2 grandchildren together, but they also poured into the lives of countless others over the years. They were the ones you went to when you needed help. They worked hard and endured several tragedies but as time passed, they remained committed to each other and to their family. Bernice held a lot of different titles over the years including, but not limited to, Wife, Mom, Sister, Grandma, Mima, BB, Aunt Bea, Secretary, and Friend. If you were lucky enough to be on her good side, you wouldn't find a more loyal and steadfast supporter, and, well, if you ever found yourself on her bad side, she would have let you know it. Bernice was a homemaker during certain seasons of her life, but she also worked for many years as a secretary in the bursars office at OSU-Okmulgee. She loved that job. It gave her an opportunity to help college students fulfill their dreams. Bernice loved her chickens and peacocks. In fact, she loved animals. She loved nurturing them and she always had a soft spot for the runt of the litter or the ugliest chicken in the coop. The ones no one wanted, those are the ones she liked best. Over the years, you could find Mima at one of her grandkids or great-grandkids sporting events. She had a competitive streak and she didn’t like the refs much. Sometimes she didn’t even like the coach, especially, if Mima felt the coach was being hard on one of “her” kids. In her later years, she was an expert Skip-Bo player, but she didn’t play for fun. She always kept score. When we leave this earth, we all want to leave a legacy and a life we can be proud of. Bernice Marie Snelson lived a full life. We find comfort in the fact that she is home with Jesus, reunited with her youngest son, and waiting on us. She will be missed by many, but we will do our best to remember and honor her in the days, weeks, and years to come. Bernice is preceded in death by her parents, 6 brothers, Jackie, Anthony, Robert, Doyle, John (Dewayne), and Perry Booker, 1 sister Genine Brown, and her youngest son Justin Douglas Snelson. She is survived by her husband, Bob Snelson; daughter Denise Marie (Snelson) Gray and husband Rodney of Preston; and son Tracy Van Snelson and wife Michelle of Preston. 11 Grandchildren: Justin Snelson and wife Brittany; Kim Jackson and husband Justin; Jennifer Snelson; Tamra Snelson and husband Rocky; Jessica Snelson; Kylie Lindenberg; Felicia Snelson; Dillion Snelson; Savannah Gray and fiancée Cooper; JD Snelson and wife Lindsey; and Taylor Snelson. 16 Great-Grandchildren: Shyan Snelson, Olivia & Bennett Jackson, Kaylee Scott, Amelia Rampenthal, Rayge Ross, Gracie Snelson, Preslea Drake, Aisley & Evelyn Lindenberg, Kobe Barker, Noah Snelson, Ember Snelson, Tyson & Emerey Bible, and Ryot Chastain. Sisters: Linda Kay Orsburn and husband Henry; Darlene Ray and husband Delbert; Joyce Cash and husband Ed. Brother: Paul Booker and wife Cheri. A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 24th at 10 am at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at the Okmulgee Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home Wednesday, March 23rd from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Pallbearers will be Justin Snelson, Dillon Snelson, JD Snelson, Taylor Snelson, Justin Jackson, and Rocky Ross. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.