Betty Jean Sikes

Betty Jean Haralson Sikes was born on August 27, 1921, to Thomas Albert and Willie Pearl Pryor Haralson in Paden, OK. She passed away on August 24, 2023, at the age of 101 years old. She was a long-time resident of Bethel Acres, OK.

Betty was the youngest of 15 siblings, all of whom predeceased her along with her parents. She married Harold Lester Sikes on January 28, 1939 in Paden, OK. He passed away in the mid 80’s. Betty traveled around with Harold during his military service and for his work afterwards. Then they settled on a farm in Bethel Acres, OK.

Betty said the happiest times of her life were when her children, Mary Ann Sikes Odneal and Jackie Lynn Sikes, were born. Betty dearly loved her children and all of her family. She is survived by Mary Ann Odneal and her husband Jerry and Jackie Lynn Sikes all of Bethel Acres, OK.  She was blessed with and survived by grandchildren Tammy Beth Bridie and husband Mark of Houston, TX, and James Mason Odneal of Bethel Acres, OK. She has three great-grandchildren, Chris Odneal and wife Lauren of Shawnee, OK, Ryan Bridie and Shawn Bridie of Houston, TX. Betty has one great-great-granddaughter, Ellie Odneal of Shawnee, OK.

Betty touched many lives during her lifetime. She was a hard worker. She worked the longest as a grocery store clerk. She was also the custodian for Tecumseh Schools and for Bethel United Methodist Church.  She served as Town Clerk for Bethel Acres, OK.  She was the Nursery Director for Bethel United Methodist Church for many years. A number of the children she cared for became her close friends. Betty and her husband Harold raised cattle on their farm in Bethel Acres. In her younger years Betty helped her father work in the fields on their crops.

Betty loved sewing and making things.  Even in her later years she made banners for Bethel United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening, and cooking. She loved cooking especially.  She would cook dishes, pies, cakes, and candies to share with her friends and family. She took great pleasure in working in the kitchen of Bethel United Methodist Church along with her friend Edna Briggs.

Betty was member of Paden Missionary Baptist Church in Paden, OK when she was younger.  She was also a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and AARP.

Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Oakdale Cemetery in Paden, OK with Rev. Stephanie Stephens and LaVerna Thiemann officiating. Services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.  The family thanks Choice Hospice and Meeker Nursing Center for the care and love they gave Betty.