Freedom Cemetery, Woods County, Oklahoma

The funeral for Naomi Evelyn Walker Bilyeu, 91, of Freedom, will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at Freedom United Methodist Church. The Rev. Max Glenn will officiate. Burial will be in Freedom Cemetery. Arrangements are by Billings Funeral Home, Woodward.

She was born in 1916 to Simpson Sr. and Ethel Stout Walker and died Monday, Jan. 7, 2008, in Stillwater.

She grew up on a ranch south of Freedom and graduated from Freedom High School. She graduated from Oklahoma A&M; in 1938.

She married Derrald Bilyeu in 1942, south of Freedom. He died in 2003.

During World War II she followed her husband, Derrald, from base to base while he served with the Army Air Corps.

She taught English and history at Goldenbelt, Skedee and Centerview and finished her 27- year teaching career at Freedom High School, where she served for a time as principal. She also served as school librarian. In 1970, she was selected Woods County Teacher of the Year. She retired from teaching in 1976.

She served as worthy matron of the Order of Eastern Star for 18 years and was a charter member of Freedom Museum Board, serving as chairman of the board. She was past president of Freedom Educational Founda-tion and served as district president of American Legion Auxiliary. She was state department chairman of junior activities, served on the staff of Oklahoma Girl’s State, belonged to the Woods County Democrat Women and was a lifetime member of Old Cowhand Auxiliary. She wrote biographies of the Freedom Rodeo Old Cowhand for 21 years. She was a member of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ.

Surviving are one daughter, Sheila Bilyeu of Alexandria, Va.; a son, Kent Bilyeu of Stillwater; one brother, Wesley Walker of Freedom; two grandsons; and one great-grandson.

In addition to her husband, Derrald, she was preceded in death by one sister and three brothers.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Freedom Museum or Freedom Ambulance.

Condolences may be online at www.billingsfuneralhomewood ward.com.

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