Obituary for Beatrice “Bea” Whitfill

Beatrice Bernice Whitfill

July 23, 1942 — December 7, 2024

In Loving Memory of Beatrice Bernice “Bea” Whitfill, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Friend, a cherished matriarch who filled our lives with love, laughter, and a sparkle all her own, passed away peacefully on December 7th at the age of 82. Surrounded by family and love, she left this world as gracefully as she lived, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and joy.

Born on July 23rd in Madill, Oklahoma, to Bonnie Beatrice and Roy Leston Jacks, Bea was a woman of caring, passion and hard work. She was a loving sister to her brother Jerry Jacks and sister-in-law to Pat. She attended school and graduated from Madill, Oklahoma in 1960. Bernice met the man who would become her life-long love while working as a soda jerk at Sterling Pharmacy. Bernice and Donald Lee Whitfill married on July 3, 1960 after her father signed a consent form since she was 20 days from turning 18. Bea and Don shared a passion for Oklahoma University sports as a result of her time working in the athletic department while he completed his doctoral degree. In 1967, Bea and Don became life-long Ponca Citians where they were ‘adopted’ by their neighbors Margaret (Mema) and Wayne Hartman. This relationship supported the Whitfill family in all life had to offer. Bea was known for her impeccable fashion sense, she embraced life with flair and sophistication, never missing an opportunity to don her favorite color, purple, or add a touch of sparkle to her attire. Her love for beauty extended beyond her wardrobe—her radiant spirit brought light to all who knew her. Bea had a deep appreciation for the magic of Disney, which she shared with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her trips to Hawaii were among her happiest moments, where she found peace in the ocean breeze and joy with her sweet friends.

Her home was a haven where family gathered for holidays, celebrations, and countless cherished memories. She was a devoted mother to Charles Whitfill and Donya Gartside, adoring grandmother to Madelyn Winter, Jessica Johnson, Christian Whitfill, Anders Whitfill, Gabrielle Gorman, Melanie Gartside and Benjamin Gartside, and a proud great-grandmother to Brantley Cady, Rhett Cady, London Gorman, Jett Gorman, Asher Rourk, and baby Johnson to be. Family members that were precious to her included Charles’s wife, Kindra Whitfill, Donya’s husband, Kenny Gartside, Madelyn’s husband, Nick Winter, Jessica’s husband, Luke Johnson, Gabrielle’s husband, Jace Gorman, Melanie’s partner Shane Rourk, Cindi Hartman, and Gage Hartman. Her love extended to her community, where she brought smiles and support to everyone fortunate enough to cross her path whether it be in the 25 years at the Conoco refinery or at Prairie Rose or other local shops.

Though her sparkle is now a star in the heavens, her spirit will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with Pastor Leon Veazey, officiating. To best serve Bea’s wishes in lieu of any flowers donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 71, Ponca City, OK 74602 as a reflection of her giving heart and love for others.