Nellie Pate

Nellie Mae Pate passed away on Friday, April 24, 2015, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma at the age of 90 years, ten months and twenty six days.

Nellie was born May 28, 1924, in Amarillo, Texas. She was the daughter of Bufford O’Dell and Alice Mamie (McLemore) Gentry. As a young girl Nellie was raised and received her education in the Sand Springs Area. Nellie resided in Hominy and Sand Springs the majority of her life where she raised her children. Nellie took in ironing and worked in many of the local cafes. She later accepted employment at the Sand Springs Children’s Home where she worked as a cook. Nellie later retired in 1986 after working there for over twenty five years. In 1986, Nellie moved to Cleveland where she remained until 2011. At that time she moved back to the Sand Springs area to be closer to her children.

Nellie enjoyed dancing, listening to country music and especially spending time with her family. Nellie is described as a simple lady, who was very independent and never asked for anything. One thing Nellie enjoyed doing was going out to eat and taking trips to Kansas City to see her family.

Survivors are her three children Robert Hillsberry of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Regina Stallsworth of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Richard Couffer of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; two sisters Thelma Knick of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Virginia Furr of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; sixteen grandchildren, numerous great and great great grandchildren as well a numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, mother Alice Mamie Gentry and father, Buford O’Dell, two sons Terry Hillsberry, Marvin Hillsberry; one daughter Linda Willcox; sister Lawanda Mitchem and a brother O'Dell Gentry.

Services will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Pastor Jimmy Noe officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.