Bernice Cossette (Sulllinger) Cross

Bernice Cossette (Sullinger) Cross, Bowlegs resident, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.  Bernice was born on February 14, 1934 in Bowlegs to William Sullinger and Dora Bell (Sims) Sullinger.  She was a 1952 Bowlegs High School graduate.

Bernice took great joy in taking care of her family, knitting and crocheting, cooking and spending time with friends and family.  She was a member of Eastern Stars.  If any one of her kid’s friends needed a place to stay her door was always open.  She was working at a restaurant and Leon went in to ask Bernice if she would go out with him. She said yes and took her apron off and never looked back.  They married on April 4, 1952 in Bowlegs.

Bernice is survived by her daughter, Sharon Tate of Shawnee; four grandchildren, Devon Smith, David Smith, Douglas Smith and Jason Cross; one great grandchild, Dillon Cross; sister-in-law, Beverly Rybolt; brother and sister-in-law, Clinton and Joyce Sullinger; a host of nieces and nephews and many other family and friends.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, William and Dora Sullinger; her loving husband, Leon Cross (2011); son, David Cross (2010); daughter, Dawn Smith (2018) and granddaughter, Jade Cross.

Those serving as casket bearers are Kade Houck, Chad Houck, Jason Cross, David Smith and Doug Smith.

Honorary casket bearers are Bob Replogle, Bill Snyder, Lee Oats and Ollie Smith.

Viewing will be Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Assembly of God Church in Bowlegs with Pastor Roy Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole.  Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.