Lillian Badeen

Lillian Samara Badeen was born in Oklahoma City, OK on November 24, 1934, less than a year after her parents, Nabeeh and Adeeba Samara, immigrated to the United States from Lebanon. She passed away on September 19, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family.

The eldest of six children, Lillian was born in the family home on 11th Street. The Samara family soon moved to 14th Street in Heritage Hills, where Lillian spent her formative school years. She graduated from Classen High School in 1952.

Growing up, Lillian was surrounded by a close-knit family and a vibrant Lebanese American community. These influences instilled in her a deep appreciation for her heritage and traditions. She fondly remembered family gatherings filled with laughter, delicious home-cooked meals, and the warmth of her parents' hospitality.

In 1953, Lillian married a young dentist, Sam Badeen, DDS. Together, they moved to Sapulpa, OK, where Sam practiced dentistry for many years. Lillian and Sam became active members of the community and formed many close friendships. They were blessed with two children, Rodney and Rhonda.

Lillian worked alongside her husband as his receptionist and assistant, taking special care to ensure that young children had positive dental experiences. Her nurturing presence made a lasting impression on many families in the community.

After their children completed their education and Sam retired, they relocated to Houston, TX in 2001 to spend time with relatives. Lillian continued her tradition of hospitality, often entertaining and serving elaborate meals to friends and family, especially during their years in Texas.

Following the tragic loss of their daughter and grandchildren, Lillian and Sam returned to Oklahoma City in 2009 to be near their closest family.

As a long-time active member of St. Elijah Orthodox Church, Lillian grew up and was married in original church on 16th and Pennsylvania and later was active at the current location on 150th and May. During her time in Houston, she was also a member of St. George Orthodox Church.

Lillian will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit. She touched the lives of everyone she met, always offering a welcoming smile and a helping hand. Her strong faith and devotion to her family were evident in every aspect of her life, leaving a legacy of love and compassion.

Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Sam; her parents, Nabeeh and Adeeba; her cherished daughter, Rhonda Badeen Lunn, M.D.; her grandchildren, Katherine, Michael, and Adrienne Lunn; her sister, Nadia Shadid; and her brothers-in-law, Sam Shadid, William Kakish, and Jerry Hamra.

She is survived by her loving son, Rodney Badeen; her siblings Dianna Kakish, Carolyn Hamra, E.N. Scott Samara, M.D. (Leslie), and Andrea Jones (Johnny H. Jones, M.D.). Lillian maintained a special closeness with her 17 nieces and nephews.

Our most heartfelt thanks to Lillian’s long-time caregiver, Matilde Meir, and her husband, Carlos, who took such loving care of her.

Visitation with the family will be Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Smith and Kernke N. May Ave. from 3 to 5 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church on NW150th and May, on Monday September 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa at 2:30 p.m. Officiating the service will be V. Rev. Fr. John Salem, V. Rev. Elias Khouri, V. Rev. Constantine Nasr, and Rev. Dn. Ezra Ham.

In honor of Lillian, memorial donations may be made to the St. Elijah Flowers That Do Not Wither Fund. May she rest in eternal peace surrounded by the love she so generously shared throughout her life.