Neva Irene Wilhide

Neva Irene (Williams) Wilhide of Claremore, Oklahoma passed away on November 29, 2017 at Brookdale Assisted Living Center. Funeral Services will be held at the First Christian Church on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 2:00, with Pastor Charles Ragland officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 pm before the service. Friends may visit at the Funeral Home on Monday, December 4th from 1:00-5:00 pm.

Neva Irene Williams was born August 24, 1924, at home in the Justus community, east of Claremore, Oklahoma on Highway 20. Her parents were James Edward (Ed) and Amanda Elzierene (Elzie) Smith Williams. She had two older brothers, Harold Edward Williams and Ernie Leroy Williams.

Neva attended school at Justus T, Pryor, Sequoyah, and graduated from Claremore High School in 1942.

She married George Edward Wilhide on June 21, 1942. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in October 1942 and fought in World War II.

In 1944, Neva began working at Oklahoma Military Academy in the Business Office as an Inventory Clerk. In 1949, she began traveling with her husband George, who was a Western Electric installer of equipment for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. In 1959, Neva began working at the Claremore Progress Newspaper, where she stayed until August of 1960. She then completed her working career at the Claremore Federal Savings and Loan Company (later known as Fidelity Federal Savings and Loan), until her retirement in August 1989, dedicating 29 years. After retirement, she cared for her husband, George, participated in her church ladies group and enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George Wilhide, an infant son, Gary Edward Wilhide, her parents, James (Ed) and Amanda (Elzie) Williams, her brother, Harold Williams and wife Geraldine, and her brother Ernie Williams and wife Dorothy.

She is survived by her daughters: Donna Stritzke and spouse Fred, Cheryl Baker and spouse Steve, and Melba Pope and spouse Johnny. Her grandchildren: Diane Holley and spouse Britt, Amy Claflin and spouse Cory, David Stritzke and spouse Shelan, Toby Baker and spouse Amanda, Ronnie Paddock, Michelle Dover and spouse Bryan, Amanda Love and spouse Charles, and Gary Paddock and spouse Darbi. She is also survived by her great- grandchildren, Grace and Declan Holley, Conner and Hunter Claflin, Ronald Paddock III, Shelly Alam, Sydney and Tessa Dover, and Olivia Love. She will also be missed by her nieces: Joyce Richardson, Nancy Nees, and nephews: Ernie Edward Williams, Jimmy Ray Williams, Dwayne Williams, and Mike Williams, as well as many great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

Those who wish to make a memorial contribution may do so by contributing to:
First Christian Church Memorial Fund at 200 East 5th Street Claremore, OK 74017, or you may donate poinsettias to the church.


The family thanks the nurses, aides, and staff at Evergreen Hospice, Employees of Brookdale Assisted Living, Neva’s First Christian Church family, and the many caring friends she made at Brookdale Assisted Living.