Thelma Hazel Howell-Bear

Thelma Hazel Howell-Bear was born on September 14, 1965, to Henry George Howell, Sr. and Ava J. (Morton) Howell in Shiprock, NM. She passed away Thursday, September 1, 2022, at her home in Oklahoma City, OK, at the age of 56. Thelma grew up in Colorado, Utah, and in Oklahoma. She attended Pawnee High School and continued her education at OSU Tech in Okmulgee, OK, at Redlands Community College and at Bacone College. She graduated with an associate degree in Early Childhood Development from Bacone College.

Thelma was married to Henry Bear and the couple had two children: Doris and Samuel. She worked in Headstart Programs for the Creek Nation and for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation. Later, she worked in security and as a receptionist for Lucky Star Casino. She loved music and going to concerts.

Thelma was a devoted OU Sooner football fan. She was smart and funny and will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include two children, Doris Watts and husband, Nathan, of Colcord, OK; and their children: Michael, Michaela, and Mallory Watts, and Samuel Bear of Oklahoma City, OK and his children: Jacob Lujan, Albert Bear, Knalaycia Bear, and Ava Bear; three brothers: Henry George Howell, Jr., Delos “Joe” Damon Howell, and Antony Howell, as well as numerous nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Howell, Sr, and Ava Whitetail; her children’s father, Henry Bear; grandson, Delos Bear; and two brothers, Nasharo Pahoo “Kurt” Howell and Jerry Gordon Franklin.

An All Night Wake was held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, at Concho Community Center, Concho, OK. Services were held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, at Concho Community Center, Concho, OK. Officiating was Rev. Gerald Panana.

Burial followed at the Concho Cemetery, Concho, OK.

Services were entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Hinton, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.