Obituary

Rosie Mae Walton was born on February 27, 1935 in Boynton, Oklahoma and proceeded into heaven on December 30, 2021.  Rosie was one of three daughters born to the union of Harold Walton & Shirley Gibbs. Additionally, Rosie had 6 brothers, Joe, Wallace, Sherman (Butch) and Ben all from Kansas City, KS and Herald Jr. and Clarence.  Rosie gave birth to ten children.  From her first union with Thomas Freeman Sr., her eldest children were born, Loria and Thomas Jr. (Buggs).  Two more children were born from her union with Jerry Tilley, Linda and Catherine (Dankey).  In the late 1950s Rosie met and married James Thomas of Los Angeles California, originally born in Taft, OK.  Within that thirty-five year marriage, six additional children were born, Gary, Ronnie, Gerald (PeeWee), Derald, Janet and Angela Thomas.  Rosie’s grandmother Pinky Tucker-Gibbs was an instrumental figure in her life.  This is where the spiritual guidance and walk with Christ all began. 

Rosie was deeply rooted in the church and spent most of her time reading the bible each and every day.  Rosie was a faithful member of Mother Grace Tucker’s church early in life.  Thereafter, she would become a member of Life and Eternal Truth Holy Temple, with guidance under Pastor H.H. Harper, where she met some of her closest & dearest friends. Lastly, she would become a member of Macedonia Fellowship, under the leadership of her Pastor and niece Dr. Peggy Owens, where she became an ordained Minister.  Rosie loved her children, her crossword puzzles, tending to her flower bed, gardening and fishing.  She had a passion and attention for detail and was a stickler for rules and being on time for any and every event.  Rosie was a very giving woman, who loved all. 

During the time Rosie and James were married they were able to become successful business owners. Their first business was selling barbeque in Okmulgee, Oklahoma in the early 1970s and eventually purchased a restaurant, The Burger in 1976. James Thomas, while employed at Tulsa Rock Co. for 30 years, kept his job working as a Crusher operator and catering barbeque, while owning The Burger along with Rosie who maintained the business. The Burger is still today a successful and thriving business located in the heart of North Tulsa for over 45 years of service mainly due to Rosie’s dedication and passion for serving the community.   

Rosie was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and much more. Rosie will surely be missed by all of her family and members of the community. She is preceded in death by Harold Walton (father), Shirley Harris (mother), James Thomas (husband), Lillian Borens & Bernice Motley (sisters), Joe, Sherman (Butch) and Wallace Johnson (brothers), Derald Thomas, Catherine Bowie, Gary Thomas, and Thomas Freeman Jr. (children).  Rosie leaves to cherish her precious memories,  Loria Darwin (daughter), Linda Tilley (daughter), Ronnie Thomas (son), Gerald Thomas (son), Alton Mack (son in Christ), Janet Thomas-Lawrence (daughter),  Angela Thomas (daughter) Grandsons Ronell Darwin Jr., Ramon Tilley, Dion Tilley, Dujuan Bowie, Antwan Bowie, Gerald Thomas Jr., Kevin Bowie, Ronnie Thomas Jr., Calvin Thomas, and granddaughters  Stacy Bowie, RaNeshia Thomas, Stephanie Jones, Brittany Rhodes-Thompson and Ariana Thomas, all Of Tulsa Oklahoma, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, cousins and friends.

Visitation for Mrs. Thomas will be held on Saturday, January 8, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Monday, January 10, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home, 2103 E. 3rd St., Tulsa, OK 74104.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 10:00 a.m., at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Memorial Chapel, 2103 E. 3rd St..

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