Obituary for Bessie Alice Thomas
Bessie Alice Thomas, 94, a former resident of Mangum, Oklahoma passed away December 27, 2020, at her son’s home in Mannford, Oklahoma. Bessie was born February 2, 1926, near Pierre, South Dakota to Charles and Maude Edenburn. She was the third of four children born to Edenburn family. Bessie became a beautiful, hard worker, cheerful woman, with a passion and love for Jesus Christ, her family, and friends. Her family moved to central California where she graduated high school. Following high school, she worked for McDonald – Douglas in the aerospace industry. Bessie always had a desire to help those in need and with the help of a scholarship from McDonald – Douglas she was able to get her Licensed Practical Nurses’ license. At the end of World War II, Bessie returned to her beloved South Dakota to work in the hospital at Highmore and Miller. While working as an LPN she met a young veteran recovering from his injures during the war. Ted Talley Thomas was an Okie, Cowboy, and wheat harvester from Mangum, Oklahoma. After a brief courtship, Bessie and Ted were united in marriage. The newlyweds soon left South Dakota and arrived in Fletcher, Oklahoma. Where Bessie worked alongside Ted, driving the tractor, working on the land, and spending time with her new family. Soon a son was born, Jody. Being a mother was Bessie's greatest joy. She loved caring and taking care of her husband and son. The family moved a lot in the early years of their marriage because of Ted's wheat cutting business. Soon they were blessed with a second son, B.J. The Thomas family set down roots in Hester, Oklahoma. Where Ted continued to farm, while Bessie became well known for culinary skills, making the most delicious pie, cakes, donuts, and banana nut bread. She loved her church work and worked in the nursery at Trinity Baptist Church, Mangum, for 28 years, teaching children the songs of faith. As Ted’s health began to fail they moved into Mangum, Oklahoma. Ted passed in 1988. In 1990 Bessie moved to Elgin, Oklahoma, and lived with the Glen Lamb family until his passing in 2019. She was a blessing to be around, she was always singing, whistling, or humming a tone. She enjoyed fishing and always was ready for a new adventure. She enjoyed catching, cleaning, cooking the fish she caught but she would never eat them. She spent the final thirteen months living with her son Jody, and his wife Trudy in their home in Mannford, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Talley Thomas, her brothers, her sister. Bessie is survived by her Sons, Jody and Trudy Thomas of Mannford, Oklahoma, B.J. (Bill) of Florida, six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.
Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2021, at Riverside Cemetery Mangum, Oklahoma.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
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Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2021, at Riverside Cemetery Mangum, Oklahoma.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Bessie Alice Thomas, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Graveside
Friday
15
Jan
3:00 PM
Riverside Cemetery
715 South Penn
Mangum , Ok 73554
Cemetery Details
Location
Riverside Cemetery
715 South Penn
Mangum , Ok 73554
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