Obituary for Billie Cleo Bowman (Murray)
Billie Cleo Bowman, Bristow resident, passed from this life on September 27, 2022 at the age of 94 years, 7 months, & 7 days. A private family service was held at a later date. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the care of Michael’s Funeral Home of Bristow. Visit www.michaelsfuneralservices.com to leave online condolences.
Billie was born in Stroud, Oklahoma on February 20, 1928 to the late Roy Lee Murray & Grace LaMoyne (Baker) Murray. She was raised & educated in Milfay & Depew. She married Carl Van Bowman in Bristow on December 27, 1948 & they remained together until his death in 2015. Billie had started her career working for Gossard Garments as a seamstress. She had also worked in Missouri and was instrumental in helping set up garment factories in Sullivan, Indiana & Porta Prince, Haiti. She retired from the Bristow Garment Factory in the 1990’s. Billie enjoyed fishing, reading, crafts, embroidery, and of course, sewing. In addition to her parents & husband, she was preceded in death by a Grandson: Ricky J. Neighbors, Jr.; 2 Brothers & 2 Sisters.
Her remaining family includes a Daughter: Carlene Williams & spouse Bill Boatman of Bristow; Granddaughter: Karen Neighbors & spouse Chris Bledsoe; Great Grandchildren: Joey Neighbors – Rachal & Max Meek – Kimberly Wilcut & Jadon Vanderslice; Great Great Grandchildren: Remi Vanderslice – Luka Vanderslice – and a baby girl due in February; Sister: Judy Anderson & husband Jim of Texas; 2 Brothers: Ron Murray & wife Carol of Kendrick – Dave Murray & wife Nancy of Missouri; Brother-In-Law: Mat McGee of Okemah; plus several nieces – nephews – cousins – other relatives - & friends.
Billie was born in Stroud, Oklahoma on February 20, 1928 to the late Roy Lee Murray & Grace LaMoyne (Baker) Murray. She was raised & educated in Milfay & Depew. She married Carl Van Bowman in Bristow on December 27, 1948 & they remained together until his death in 2015. Billie had started her career working for Gossard Garments as a seamstress. She had also worked in Missouri and was instrumental in helping set up garment factories in Sullivan, Indiana & Porta Prince, Haiti. She retired from the Bristow Garment Factory in the 1990’s. Billie enjoyed fishing, reading, crafts, embroidery, and of course, sewing. In addition to her parents & husband, she was preceded in death by a Grandson: Ricky J. Neighbors, Jr.; 2 Brothers & 2 Sisters.
Her remaining family includes a Daughter: Carlene Williams & spouse Bill Boatman of Bristow; Granddaughter: Karen Neighbors & spouse Chris Bledsoe; Great Grandchildren: Joey Neighbors – Rachal & Max Meek – Kimberly Wilcut & Jadon Vanderslice; Great Great Grandchildren: Remi Vanderslice – Luka Vanderslice – and a baby girl due in February; Sister: Judy Anderson & husband Jim of Texas; 2 Brothers: Ron Murray & wife Carol of Kendrick – Dave Murray & wife Nancy of Missouri; Brother-In-Law: Mat McGee of Okemah; plus several nieces – nephews – cousins – other relatives - & friends.