Funeral service for Billie LaVonne McLaughlin will be 11 a.m., Thurs., Dec. 27, at Memorial Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Simpson officiating. Burial will follow at Oakhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Musgrove-Merriott-Smith Funeral Service & Crematory. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Wed. 1-8 p.m., and family will greet friends 4-6 p.m.
Billie died Sat., Dec. 22, 2012, at her home at the age of 83.
The daughter of William Minton and Mable Leona (Black) Mears was born Jan. 1, 1929, in Coweta. She grew up and attended school in Tahlequah. On Jan. 27, 1950, she married Earl Rogers McLaughlin. They lived in Russellville, KS, Eufaula, Pawnee, and Wagoner, before moving to Claremore in 1963. Billie worked at Bell Telephone, Oklahoma Military Academy in the book store and business office, and retired in 1984 from TG&Y where she was the fabric coordinator. She was active in the Baptist churches most of her life, and was a member of Memorial Heights Baptist Church. She served as Associate Mother Advisor and leader of the Rainbow Girls for 30 years. She received the Grand Cross of Color for her service. Billie was a Past Matron and Past Grand Officer of the Order of Eastern Star, past Rogers County President of HCE, volunteer for blood mobile and the schools, and volunteer for various other needs in Rogers County. She enjoyed playing domino's and staying active.
Billie is preceded in death by her husband, Earl in 1996; her parents; brother, Audie Pete Howard; and great-grandson, Patrick Harris.
She is survived by her children: Michael Lee McLaughlin of Claremore, Jerry Wayne McLaughlin and wife, Josefina of Tallahassee, FL, Carol Lynn Harris and husband, Jerry Lee of Moore, and Barbara Ann Thompson and husband, Steven of Granbury, TX; sisters: Margaret Alice Haworth of Tahlequah, and Nellie Ruth Box of Muskogee; grandchildren: Cari Hick and husband, Shawn, Jenifer Stuck and husband, Jack, Juston Harris and wife, Stephanie, Dr. Joseph Hackler and wife, Dr. Meghan Hackler, Shannon McLaughlin, Casey Harris, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jessica McLaughlin, John Thompson, and Gregory Thompson; and great-grandchildren: Skylar, Russell, Alex, Cord, and Jack.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.