Tabor Cemetery

Bristow, Creek County, Oklahoma

© Hutchins-Maples Matherly Funeral Home
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Omera Harper Combs

October 18, 1936 - September 11, 2025

Omera Harper Combs, born on October 18, 1936, in Boynton, Oklahoma, to Simpson and Ellen Lee Harper, peacefully departed this life on September 11, 2025, at the age of 88.

A proud graduate of Lincoln High School in Bristow, Omera married the love of her life, Samuel Combs Jr., on January 21, 1954. Their union was blessed with five children: Phyllis, Samuel III, Milton, Gayle, and William. Together, they shared over forty-five years of love and partnership until Sam's passing in 1999.

Omera's commitment to faith and service formed the foundation of her life. Baptized at an early age, she dedicated more than eighty years to Christian service with Cooper Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Her roles included church secretary/treasurer, steward, and Lay Delegate for the AME Church, all of which she fulfilled with diligence. As a pianist, Omera began accompanying church services at age 16 and continued in this capacity throughout her lifetime.

Omera was a devoted mother and excellent cook who found joy in family meals and celebrations, church fellowship, reading, traveling, playing piano, watching basketball, and conversations with friends. Mrs. Combs was an advocate for education and maintained a long-term relationship with Langston University, from participating in high school field trips, to regularly attending homecoming events, and engaging with the university through her work with REYAP. She encouraged discipline and high standards and was known for her quick wit. Her contributions and spirit of faith, compassion, and service are recognized by her church, family, and community.

She is survived by four children; Phyllis Joseph (Theodore), Samuel Combs III (Rita), Gayle Combs, William Combs (Rhonda); one brother, Milton Harper Sr. (Doretha); one sister Azzie Immanuel; two brothers-in-law, Bobby Hughes and Edward Combs; eight grandchildren, Damon Joseph (Renee), Theodore Joseph Jr., Erika Combs, Samuel E. Combs IV (Kylia), M. Dexter Combs (Alexis), DeAmber Joseph (Eddie), W. Nicholus Combs (Jovanna), Micah Combs (Lachauncia); eighteen great-grandchildren, Geeovanta Rogers, Kaylen Bolden, Kyeria Joseph, Daviion Wycoff, Tyia Joseph, Elijah Joseph, Cereniti Joseph, T'Andre Joseph, M'Kiah Joseph, Samuel T. Combs, Nora Combs, Rayne & Royal Combs, Cyrus Combs, Sebastian Combs, Nicholus N. Combs, Evin & Ean Washington, and a host of nieces and nephews. Omera was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Milton Dewayne Combs, brother Charles Harper, and brother-in-law, Carl Hughes.