A longtime past resident of Tribbey, Leona Thompson, 90, died Sunday, April 16, in Golden Rule Home.
She was born Sept. 21, 1915, near Tribbey to William L. Roberts Jr. and Vanoria (Wright) Roberts. She was the youngest and last living member of eight children.
Leona attended and graduated from Tribbey High School in 1934. While in high school she participated in baseball, basketball and other school activities while pursuing her education.
Following high school, Leona assisted her parents on their farm as well as working away from home picking cotton and as a housekeeper.
She married Clyde Thompson January 10, 1942 and they joyfully lived together 42 years until his death in December 1984.
Leona and her husband were active in Tribbey Baptist Church, as were her parents before her. She was church pianist, sang and taught bible class, performed as the treasurer/secretary, and was active in providing service to church and community. Leona was well known for her cooking and often provided the pastor, family & friends with Sunday dinner consisting of the best fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, chocolate cake and apple pie around. She enjoyed her family and enjoyed cooking for them during their visits.
Leona loved to play the piano and played a medley of gospel tunes every afternoon that could be heard and enjoyed by anyone near her home.
Leona's goal was to serve the Lord and to give her family the best care that she could provide through homemaking skills of cooking, housekeeping, sewing, washing and ironing. Leona was always a careful steward of her resources and expressed her love by doing for others.
When asked for her opinion, Leona would give it with honesty and with respect. She will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers, Pryde and Martin Roberts; five sisters, Ruth Burlison, Gussie Russel, Luta Bowerman, Ruby Beene and Esther Derryberry.
Survivors include her daughter Sandra Watson of Shawnee; two grandsons and their spouses, Steve and Yusenda Wheeler of Shawnee, and Tony and Muriel Wheeler of Earlsboro; one great-grandson, Eric Wheeler of Shawnee; and two step great-grandchildren, Ronnie Wano and Adrian Wano of Earlsboro, and many other relatives and friends.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Home in Tecumseh with Rev. W.F. Crow and Ray Wade officiating. Burial will follow at Tribbey Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.
