Billie Carlene Gifford
February 19, 1933 - May 12, 2018
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Billie Carlene Gifford
February 19, 1933 - May 12, 2018
Obituary
Billie Carlene (Melton) Gifford, 85, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away May 12, 2018. She was born in Miami, Oklahoma on February 19, 1933 to William and Clara (Holt) Melton.
Billie and her husband, Paul were owners of Bernina of Tulsa dealership for 25 years. They were married for 65 years and together they had traveling adventures to Hawaii, Canada, Europe and Africa.
Billie was strong in her Christian faith and most recently attended Landmark Tabernacle in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.
She is survived by her loving husband, Maurice Paul Gifford, of the home; sister and best friend, Katherine Althouse of Miami, Oklahoma as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Billie is preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Wayne Melton.
A private graveside burial will be held at New Hope Cemetery in Hulbert, Oklahoma.
1 responses to Billie Carlene Gifford
Sandy Seila says:
May 13, 2020
I worked for Paul and Billie Gifford for 8-10 years as a sewing educator. I walked into their store shortly after moving to Tulsa, to match thread for a free motion project I had done. Billie approached me and was amazed at my work. The next time I came in, I brought another project to match thread, and she saw it and said, "Do you want to come and teach classes here?!" I was blown away, but that began not only a profession for me, but also an amazing relationship with her and Paul. They were kind, gentle, loving people and Billie treated me like a daughter. I wish I had know she had gotten sick, so I could have seen her. I will see her again someday!! May God ease Paul's sorrow and she was a blessing to those who knew her. Sandy Seila