Bessie Belcher

Bessie Belcher began her eternal rest on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the age of 93. She was a long-term resident of Durant, OK. She is survived by daughter Darla B. Peek, son Larry Belcher (Marilyn), daughter-in-law Gena Belcher (Andy Reich), brothers Wayne Steward (Gloria) and James Steward (Laqueda). She had 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. 

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents Wallace and Daisy Steward, her husband Howard Belcher, children Vicki Belcher and Gregory Belcher, and son-in-law L. Patrick Peek. 

Bessie was a member of Fairview Baptist Church since 1969. She touched the lives of many youngsters over the years — “Miss Bessie” volunteered in the nursery for 50+ years. She was also Director of the Day Care Center at Fairview for several years, retiring in the mid-1990s. She had a green thumb and tended the flower gardens at Fairview for about 20 years. 

Bessie was a member of the Sow Sew Ministries Fairview Baptist Church since the inception of this group. The “Sow Sew Girls” met about twice a month, where quilting, fellowship and prayers for others went hand in hand. 

Bessie graduated from Dale High School in 1951 and was class Salutatorian. 

Special thank you to everyone from the Durant Fire and EMS responders, Durant Alliance Hospital staff and Heart to Heart Hospice for their kind, caring compassion in Bessie’s final hours. 

Officiating at the memorial service is Pastor Bill Ledbetter formerly of Fairview Baptist Church. 

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Colton’s Run in Durant, Sow Sew Ministries Fairview Baptist Church or the charity of your choice. 

Visitation with the family is Monday, June 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home at 121 N. 5th Street, Durant, OK 74701. Memorial service is Tuesday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home at 121 N. 5th Street, Durant, OK 74701. 

Graveside services are at 3:00 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park at 16006 S. Rock Creek Rd., Shawnee, OK 74801.