Tommie Lou Hawk

Tommie Hawk's Memorial Service

Tommie Lou Hawk, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 2, 2025, in Claremore, Oklahoma, at the age of 95. She was born on August 20, 1929, in Ralston, Oklahoma, bringing joy to her family from the very beginning.

Growing up, Tommie spent her childhood riding horses in Oklahoma. This love for horses continued into her teenage years spent in California working at the horse track. Her love of the horse races continued throughout her life. She shared many summer trips to the horse races with her mother and sister.

She returned to Oklahoma to raise her family, following her husband as he worked on the pipeline across many states. She was a hard worker, both at home and with the public. She worked at Skaggs-Alpha-Beta as well as being a familiar face at Wal-Mart for 20 years.

Tommie was not only known for her work ethic but also for her rich tapestry of interests. An ardent music lover, which called her to work in wired music as a young woman, she cherished attending concerts, which added rhythm and joy to her life. Among her travels, one of her most cherished experiences was a trip to Ireland with her sister, where the two created memories that would last a lifetime. She also loved the River Festival in Kansas where she spent summer after summer trying all the foods and dancing the night away. She embarked on an adventurous trip to Mexico, of course keeping it a secret until she returned with lots of goodies. One of her most cherished trips was to Ship Island in Mississippi, which was a lifelong goal of hers.

Her passions extended beyond travel; Tommie found respite in reading and indulged in the beauty of gardening, nurturing both flowers and her cherry tomatoes. Above all, she adored her granddaughter Kacie, supporting her through every game and challenge, a bond that kept her youthful in spirit.

Tommie is survived by her son Gary Best and wife Maxine of Locust Grove, OK; daughters, Sheri Buirrea of Ponca City, OK, and Dabney Stevens, and Jesse of Tulsa, OK; as well as grandchildren, Kacie Teigen, Christina Best, Brandi Soderboom, Laci Best, and Shane Best; 8 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister, Bobbie Akers of Salina, KS, along with two nieces and a nephew.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas McCoy and Alma (Oller) Puckett; her son, Robert "Bob" Timothy Best, her children’s father, Burl Best, nephew David Akers, niece Suzanne Wallace, and several special aunts and uncles.

A memorial service for Tommie will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Shipman’s Funeral Home Chapel. To leave a personal message, please visit her guestbook at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.