Obituary for Harlene Bickford

Harlene Bickford

January 9, 1928 – May 9, 2022

Harlene (née Walker) Bickford died peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on May 9, 2022 as a resident of Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City. Harlene was born January 9, 1928, in Hammon, Oklahoma, the youngest of seven children of James K. and Okie M. (née Fesmire) Walker. Following high school graduation in Glencoe, Oklahoma she lived and worked in Stillwater. In the early 1950s, Harlene moved to Blackwell and married John Beland Bickford in 1957. They were married 55 years until his death in 2012. Harlene volunteered for many community organizations and was an active member at the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell. She dedicated her time and poured her heart into her children and grandchildren in everything. Harlene was a regular in Blackwell’s band boosters and a co-founder of Blackwell’s first preschool at her church. After their children were grown, the Bickfords moved to Oklahoma City to be near family and the first of what would be five grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband John, brothers Roy and James Walker and sisters Ara Terry, Bessie Pyle and Marie Manning.

Survivors include son Mike and wife Kathy Bickford of Oklahoma City, daughter Patricia and husband Kenneth Gosnell of Naples, Florida. Also surviving are grandchildren Michael and wife Schaeffer Bickford of Dallas, Will and wife Ashley Bickford of Los Angeles, Jack Bickford of Charlotte, North Carolina, Meredith Gosnell of Vienna, Virginia and Charlie Gosnell of New York City, as well as two great-grandchildren, Callum and Cora Bickford of Dallas. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for Laura Gonzalez and Ludean Hytche who cared for and loved Harlene in her final years. Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell. A family graveside service is pending.