Jessie Jean Bear

Funeral services for Jessie Jean (Quapaw) Bear, 88, of Sperry, OK were held Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at the Tiger Residence in Sperry, OK. Jeremy Olsen officiated and burial was in Charley Cemetery in Sperry, OK. Casket bearers were Russell Bohay, Jacob Bohay, Douglas Bohay, Albert White, Brandon Tiger, and Garrett Satoe. Honorary casket bearer was William Tarrant.

Jessie was born August 24, 1930 at Devil’s Promenade, OK to Jesse and Martha (Track) Quapaw. She passed away September 2, 2018 in Sperry, OK.

Jessie attended Chilocco Indian School. She was raised by her Seneca Cayuga family. She was a member of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma and was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Paramount, CA. She married the late Watt Bear. They were married for 64 years and from this union were six children. Jessie was dedicated to raising her children. One of her greatest joys was being a mom and grandmother. She was a kind hearted and generous person. In her spare time, Jessie enjoyed playing bunco, scrabble and solitaire. Jessie was a member of First Baptist Church in Sperry and was a strong believer in her faith, and was active in many church functions.

She is survived by her children, Karen Jo Bohay of Anadarko, Liz Tiger and husband Chiefy of Sperry, Stephen Bear and wife Sandy of Sapulpa, and Jonathan Bear and wife Anisa of East Alton, IL; 15 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many other relatives and friends to cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Watt Bear; daughter, Gloria Jean White; son, George Clifford Bear; sisters, Amanda Greenback, Audrey Quapaw, Annabelle Quapaw, Betty Lou Quapaw, and Elizabeth Quapaw; son-in-law, Russell Bohay; brothers, Edward Quapaw and Melvin Quapaw; and parents, Jesse and Martha Quapaw.