Rose "Rosie" Willingham was born in Seminole April 26, 1928. She was the fourth child of Orville and Mattie Gallion-Snodgrass.
Over the years, many stories have been told to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about her young life there. According to Rose, it was a delightful childhood spent with nurturing Christian parents, a loving brother, Loren Snodgrass, of Perry, and two very fun sisters Edna McDonald of Seminole, and Marlene Harris, of Elk City.
Music was a gift given to Rose at an early age and one she clung to throughout her life. She performed in productions as early as elementary school and continued to sing throughout her life. With her five octave range, she had a voice that, to this day, is unmatched by any singer in the media. It was as beautiful at a whisper as it was when she sang at full volume to reach the very last person at the back of the large auditoriums. But the most treasured target of her music was at home. How lucky her family was to hear the perfect pitch, tone, volume, and pure five octave range which flowed effortlessly from Rose's lips.
At a music party, Rose met and later married musical prodigy Leonard O'Dell. From this union came three children, Joe Lynn O'Dell, of Seminole, deceased; Jim Ensley O'Dell, of Richland, Mo.; and Mary O'Dell-Jackson, of Tulsa.
Leonard and Rose enjoyed playing and singing music on live radio shows, for special functions, community celebrations and in church.
Music continued to permeate Rose's life as she moved into her second marriage with Tom Willingham, Jr. Although Tom always contended that he couldn't carry a tune in a shower, non-the-less, he and Rose enjoyed singing and listening to music for 38 years. Singing and dancing in the kitchen with grandchildren while they cooked was a favorite pastime. From her marriage to Tom came three more blessed children: Lisa Willingham-Brandt, of Muskogee, John Michael Willingham, of Coweta, and Thomas Hugh Willingham III, of El Reno.
Rose's love for music was contagious, and not just for family. At one point during a rough night at Hillcress Hospital, she had all the nurses in I.C.U. singing and dancing along with her. She claims that it was music that healed her.
Time and again, Rose struggled with a long hard battle against several illnesses. With her faith as a tool she would emerge victoriously to embrace her family and friends with smiles, support, and well wishes. Without the slightest hint of going, Rose slipped out of this earthly life Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005 as she slept. She will be fondly remembered for her musical talents but there are far more important reasons to remember her, too.
Rose was an excellent seamstress. She sewed clothing for her husband and children and took extra time to make each garment as special as she could. She was an encourager, listening intently to anyone who had a problem and, after thinking carefully, offering advice. She was always mindful of the health and well-being of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She nursed each of them whenever possible and prayed each day for all of them to be restored to full health and vitality. She also gave generously to anyone in need, often helping people she didn't even know if they were in need of food, clothing, friendship, or if they just felt sad.
Baptized at the age of 14, Mrs. Willingham was a Christian in every sense of the word. She demonstrated the love of God through her good works and encouragement to family and friends. The way she lived her life willl bring comfort to those who will miss her. But, as she often said, "When I am gone, remember the things I have told you and you will make it just fine."
Rose was preceded in death by her husband Tom, son Joe O'Dell, and sister Georgia Luellen Snodgrass.
There are many who will remember her words well. Her five children, 19 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren will carry on the best of her teaching and the excellent examples that she set.
Smith Funeral Home, of Sapulpa, will be directing the services for Mrs. Willingham at the Church of Christ, in Little, at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, 2005. Interment will be at Little Cemetery.
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