Novia Muse Oakes

Mrs. Novia Muse Oakes, age 96, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Neighborhood of Somerset Assisted Living.  She was born October 7, 1927 at Naomi, KY, the daughter of Walter Muse and Nannie Halcomb Muse.  She was joined in marriage to Wilbur “Dude” Oakes on May 3, 1947 and they enjoyed 70 years of marriage prior to his passing on April 22, 2018.  

First and foremost, Novia was steadfast in her Christian faith and daily walk with her Lord.  She and Wilbur were longtime members of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Naomi, KY.  Novia was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.  She was an industrious woman of many talents, she loved gardening and along with Wilbur, they would raise a huge garden every year.  They loved having an abundance of produce so there would be plenty to share with family, friends, and neighbors.  Being an excellent cook was another of her greatest gifts… her meals were always delicious and she enjoyed sharing this with others.  Novia will especially be remembered for her keen sense of humor and her ability to make others laugh and enjoy being around her.  She and Wilbur had fun wherever they went and spread joy by simply engaging with others and being themselves.

Survivors include three children, Velda (Steve) Barlow of Somerset, James Oakes (Lisa Norfleet) of Nancy, and Rodney (Christy) Oakes of Somerset;  one daughter-in-law, Patricia Oakes of Lexington;  six grandchildren, Denton Lee (Denny) Oakes II, Emily (Brandon) Sizemore, Charles Brady (Megan) Barlow, Anne Meredith Oakes, Grant William Oakes, and Caroline Helen Oakes;  four great grandchildren, Sadie Mae and Phoebe Wynn Barlow, Evelyn Mae Sizemore, and Clara Ivy Lee-Oakes; and one brother, Willard (Joan) Muse of Somerset.

Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her oldest son, Denton Lee Oakes, who passed away on December 29, 2011.  Novia was also preceded in death by her step-mother, Nellie Trimble Muse and her siblings, Leah Fern McClendon Hacker, Juanita Floyd, Montie Daws, Velna Ard, Pansy Mosley, Eventus Muse, Denver Muse, Amos Muse, Medith Muse, and Dormas Muse who died in infancy.

The Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the Chapel of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home, with Bro. Larry Harris officiating.  Visitation will be after 10:00 am on Thursday until time for services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Bethlehem Baptist Church, Naomi, KY and contributions may be mailed to Lake Cumberland Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1441, Somerset, KY 42502.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Sharon Reynolds and the staff of The Neighborhood who provided love and exceptional care to Novia for 5 years.  They also wish to thank her sitters, Carolyn Simpson and Julia Combs, who gave her excellent care.   

You are welcome to view the obituary and offer condolences to the family at our website:  www.LakeCumberlandFuneralService.com

Lake Cumberland Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Novia Oakes.