Vera Mae Rushing

Vera Mae (Sampson) Rushing was born on January 14, 1939 in Wynnewood, Oklahoma to parents, Della Mae Sampson and James Cecil Sampson Sr. Vera passed from this life on March 14, 2026 in Sulphur, Oklahoma. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Wynnewood in 1956, where she was an active and spirited student. Vera played the piccolo and served as the basketball team’s score secretary, traveling with the team and forming many cherished memories. On June 15, 2003, she married Billy Norman Rushing in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Vera was a woman of deep faith and devoted service. She served for 10 years as the Chickasaw District Missions President and was an active member of several organizations, including the Eastern Star, Daughter of Isis, and Golden Circle. She also served as Worthy Matron for Faith Chapter #55. In her later years, she enjoyed staying active through Silver Sneakers exercise and water aerobics in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. She was known for her warm heart and many talents. Vera was an excellent cook, famous for her pinto beans, fried okra, fish, and her beloved “Sock It to Me” cake. She had a lifelong love of writing, reading, and journaling—there were books in every room of her home. She also enjoyed crocheting and was a proud member of a music club. Above all, Vera treasured her family. One of her greatest joys in life was raising her children. She was a God-loving woman who believed every child was precious and treated them as such. Vera lived by example, teaching others to love deeply, remain humble and grateful, stand up for themselves with dignity, and never take one another for granted. Her life was a testament to faith, love, and kindness, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Vera is survived by her husband, Billy Norman Rushing of Wynnewood, Oklahoma; Daughters, Cassandra Stephens of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Della Phelps and husband Alfred Jr of Holdenville, Oklahoma, Charlemayne Hill of Sulphur, Oklahoma; Grandson, Alfred Phelps III; Great Grandchildren, Amia Phelps and Amir Phelps; Brothers, Carl Sampson of Wynnewood, Oklahoma, Victor Sampson of Wynnewood, Oklahoma; Sister, Mary Ellen Gates of Ft. Worth, Texas; many step-children, cousins, and a host of other family and friends. Vera was preceded in death by her Grandson, Dominick Stephens; Brothers, James Cecil Sampson Jr., Herschell Sampson; and Sisters, Eloise Pickens and Gail Sampson. Services for Vera will be on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Visitation for Vera will be on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at DeArman Funeral Home in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Full obituary to follow.

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Vera Mae Rushing

January 14, 1939 - March 14, 2026