Bessie Berniece Talkington
Bessie Berniece Talkington, age 89, was called home by the Lord on Friday, March 08, 2019 in Blanchard, OK. Entering into the world at Lake Valley, Oklahoma, on April 28, 1929, she was the youngest of seven children born to Albert Woodberry Norwood and Bessie (Causey) Norwood. She was raised in Verden, Oklahoma, graduating from high school in 1947. In 1948 she married her life partner Donald Dee Talkington and was only separated by his death on June 21, 1997. To this union were born two children, Donna Beth and Mike. After several moves the couple settle and raised their family in Newcastle, Oklahoma.
Berniece, as she was known by her family, was intelligent, energetic, and active. She held several jobs but ended her career working for Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company in Oklahoma City. She started as a clerk in the Group Claims Department and eventually worked her way up to the position of Vice President of the company. She retired from Standard Life when the company relocated to another state.
Berniece enjoyed her family and always was at her best at big family gatherings. She was an expert bridge player and relished her weekly bridge games with couples she and Don were friends with. She was a charter member of the First United Methodist Church of Newcastle, where she was very active, including teaching adult Sunday School, until her health forced her to stay at home.
She has been reunited in heaven with her husband, Donald, her parents, and her siblings; Marshal Norwood, Reginald Norwood, Wayne Norwood, Berry Norwood, Jamie Norwood, and Edna Max. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Ferguson and husband Sandy of Newcastle; her son, Mike Talkington and wife Jan of Newcastle: five grandchildren; Joy Eidenshink of Blanchard, Jo Dee Killingsworth of Jenks, Tommy Ferguson and wife Amy of Lindsey, Josh Talkington and wife Sheri of Edmond, and Derek Talkington: Eight great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
A family visitation is scheduled for 4-6 pm Sunday, March 10, 2019, at the Wilson Little Funeral Home, 3132 Tri City Ave. Newcastle, OK. Graveside services will be 11:00am Monday, March 11, 2019 at the Blanchard Cemetery. Send online condolences @wilsonlittle.com
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to the First United Methodist Church of Newcastle, OK, 121 East Fox Lane, 73065 or Reaching Souls International, 12625 S. Portland Ave., Oklahoma City, Ok 73170.