Dean Tipton

Norma Dean Tipton (Dean to those who really knew her) was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on May 25, 1925 to Mable and John Boyd. She died Sept 12th, 2022 at the age of 97. Dean married Johnnie Tipton on June 15, 1951. She is preceded in death by her parents, son Tom Tipton, Sisters Daisy Smith and Velma Rineheart, brothers Mose, Jack , Harold and John Boyd. She is survived by daughter Joy Tipton of Dallas, Texas, son Steve Tipton and wife Peggy of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and daughter-in-law Evelyn Tipton of Lusby, Maryland. Grandsons Matt Tipton and wife Brook of Oklahoma City; Jonathan Tipton of Lusby Maryland; Sam Tipton of Oklahoma City and granddaughter Stacey Paulinho of Denver, Colorado. Sister in laws Earline Boyd of Sun City, Arizona, and Ruth Boyd of Prescott, Arizona. Several nephews, great nieces and nephews, many many friends, and a huge group of extended loved ones that called her “Grandma Dean”. Dean started playing the piano at the age of 7 and loved music of every kind. She could play anything on request! She served as the church pianist for Calvary Baptist in Okmulgee and the Freewill Baptist Church in Henryetta for most of her life. She played the piano for the American Heart Association’s Go Red event introducing Lt Governor Mary Fallin with a lively rendition of “Ain’t She Sweet”. Dean was a member of Eastern Star and served as their official pianist for many years. Gospel music came naturally. She could move from one song to the next with bridges that only she could make. Amazing Grace and Just a Little Talk with Jesus always made the cut. She along with her Brothers and Sisters put on quite a gospel music celebration when they were together. Dean entertained Calvin, Joy’s parrot, every morning for years. He loved to sing and dance to “You don’t get Around Much Anymore”. Stardust, Deep Purple, Blue Hawaii, as well as Patsy Cline’s Walking After Midnight and Crazy were a few of her favorites. No Family gathering would be complete until Dean played the piano and everyone sang. She loved Broadway Musicals seeing many in OKC and Tulsa. One of her favorite trips was to NYC where she saw Crazy for You and Washington DC where she saw Phantom of the Opera. Her music library included Gospel, Classics, Big Band, and Broadway. Her love of playing the piano has been passed on to her Son Steve. She raised him at her side on the piano bench at church. Her piano resides at her Grandson Matt and Brook’s house where the tradition of singing Christmas songs will be continued in her honor. She was an avid sports fan. Her Teams were: NY Yankees, OU, Dallas Cowboys, and the Thunder. Seeing a Yankee game live in NYC and a Thunder game live in OKC were two big highlights for Dean. She loved all holidays and would always have a song to play for each. Christmas, however, was her favorite time of the year! Her house was decorated inside and out. She kept some Christmas decorations up all year round. Dean was known for her Christmas sweaters, sweatshirts, and jewelry. She entertained the family with every song you could think of. always ending with O’ Holy Night and We wish you a Merry Christmas. Dean loved the state of Oklahoma. Celebrating the Centennial in OKC by being at the parade and the Centennial Spectacular concert were great moments for her. The Olympics were something she never missed. Being in person for the 1989 US Olympic Festival was so exciting for her. Dean loved her TV shows and old movies like Pillow Talk, Matlock, and Perry Mason. She was a Jeopardy wiz! She could answer all the questions while doing a cross word puzzle from the Tulsa World (Which she never started her day without) Dean loved her Freewill Baptist family in Henryetta where she was a member for over 70 years. She also served as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary. Dean was saved at the age of 9 along side her Father. Her favorite bible verse 2nd Tim 2:15 KJV. She was a student of the Bible and was never with out her bible handbook she received from Billy Graham. Dean loved her donuts, coconut cream pie, divinity , and a variety of candy. Always insisting everyone around her share. Generous and kind are words that describe Dean. Dean loved her family, enjoyed life and loved to laugh. Her music brought joy and happiness to all. The Family would like to thank the staff at Fountain View Manor and Hospice of Muskogee for the loving care they provided our Mother and Grandmother.

Services will be 2 pm Saturday Sept. 17th at the Integrity Funeral Home in Henryetta, Oklahoma. The Reverend Terry Cossey will preside. Interment will follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta.