Aletha Violet Millsap

Aletha Violet Millsap was born June 19, 1925 in Avant, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Lottie May and Lester James Self. Shortly after her birth, she moved with her family to the Barnsdall Camp, just east of Osage. She was raised and attended school in Osage, graduating from Osage High School in 1943.

Upon graduation from high school, Aletha was inducted into the service of her country into the United States Navy, serving in California during World War II. While in California, she met James Arthur Millsap, also a Navy Seaman and the couple was married on December 19, 1945 in San Francisco. Upon their discharge from military service on May 20, 1946 the couple moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma.

The couple had one son, James Lonnie Millsap. They moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 1951. They resided there until 1963 when they returned to Cleveland. Aletha was one of the first employees of the Wal-Mart in Cleveland. She worked as a cashier for many years. James preceded her in death on March 15, 1996. Aletha continued to resided in Cleveland until 1998 when she moved to Pryor, Oklahoma She was a faithful member of the Church of the Nazarene in Cleveland and in Pryor after her move.

Aletha passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2003 at the Tulsa Regional Medical Center at the age of seventy-seven years, eight months and three days. In addition to her husband, Aletha was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Everett, Winfred and Clinton, her sister, Ida Mae Powell; her son, James Lonnie Millsap and a nephew, Dr. Jack Powell.

She is survived by four grandchildren, Tony Graves, James Lonnie Millsap, Jr., Kristina Dawn Millsap and Anthony James Millsap; sister-in-law, Mrs. Lonnie Self; nieces/nephews, Norma Cunningham, Jerry Self, Donna Kay Garrett, Connie Maloy, Gail Powell, Terry Powell, John Powell, Glen Dale Self, Carol Sue and Linda Carol Lyons.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, February 28, 2003 at the Chapel of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Rev. Tim White officiating. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

''Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Aletha Millsap at www.chapman-black.com.