Obituary

Reflections of Life . . .

On Saturday, July 16, 1955, Augustus “Gus” Harbert Jr.’s official time clock began in Tulsa, OK, with his loving mother, Ferdine Baines and father, Augustus Harbert Sr. welcoming him into this earthly race of life. During his early race he enjoyed the company of his younger brother, Alphonzo “Bebe” Harbert. From the very beginning Gus loved family and was overjoyed when the Lord saw fit to add to their family with the union of his mom and bonus dad, Mr. Otis Willis where he gained two additional brothers, David and Gary Willis. The family soon grew with the addition of the youngest and only girl of the bunch, CoJuan. CoJuan and Gus shared a special bond from the beginning to the end.

Gus loved family and friends and gained many lifetime friends during his schooling at Dunbar Elementary, Gilcrease Middle School and as a 1974 McLain Scot graduate. During his time as a Scot, Gus enjoyed time in the choir and especially on the football field. After graduating from McLain, he attended Langston University. During his time at Langston, he married Renita Goodlett, to which they welcomed their children Augustus Deon and Velisha. Later in years Gus’s “twin,” and second daughter, Paige Ragsdale made her appearance.

Gus had many jobs throughout the years, but for sure his favorite and the one he is most widely known for was his work at “the shop” with his mom, Mrs. Willis as Tulsa’s BEST hair washer. Gus loved to live life, laugh and have a good time. Times only got better when he united in marriage with the love of his life, Sheila. They came into each other’s life when they needed it the most and became a blessing to one another. Together, they gave their life to Christ and begin working in the ministry at Full Gospel Family Outreach Ministry. Gus served as a deacon and in the sound ministry. He later joined in membership with Transformation Church. Gus, was the epitome of “if the Lord never does anything else for me, He’s done enough!” In 1996, he suffered a massive stroke and the doctors said he wouldn’t come back from, BUT GOD!  With his loving wife and family by his side, Gus went on to live a life full of fun, laughter concert after concert and memories for 26 additional years. Prior to going home to hear “well-done, thy good and faithful servant,” Gus’s most recent blessings were seeing his son Deon, receive a second lease on life with a heart transplant and renewing his wedding vows with the love of his life, Sheila.

Just as he came into this life on Saturday, he gained his heavenly wings on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Gus is preceded in death by both his fathers, Augustus Sr., and Mr. Otis.

Cherishing his memory always; his wife of 32 years, Sheila Harbert. His adoring mother, Mrs. Ferdine Willis of Tulsa, OK. His sons, Deon of OKC, Kenshun (Ericka) and Markell (Shannon) Davis of Tulsa; his daughters, Velisha (Chris) Webb of Midwest City, OK and Paige Ragsdale of OKC. His brothers, Alphonzo Harbert, David (Genois) Willis of Little Rock, Arkansas, Gary Willis of Tulsa, OK. His precious sister, Cojuan (Dwayne) Henderson of Tulsa, OK. His 7 grandchildren and one great-grand were his pride and joy and they will miss him greatly – Morgan, Brianna, Cameron, Tay, Taylor, Christon, Khori and Ryas. His childhood friend and classmate, Kenny (Sylvia) King. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, loving family and friends and of course the Class of 1974.

Visitation for Mr. Harbert will be held on Sunday, February 19, 12:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m., at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home, 2103 E. 3rd St., Tulsa, OK 74104.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 20, 11:00 a.m., at Friendship Church, 1709 N. Madison Ave., Tulsa, OK 74106 followed by interment at Green Acres Memorial Gardens.