Bessie Gilliam London, 98, retired nurse and longtime resident of Tulsa, passed away October 2, 2014 at Evergreen Nursing Home, Baptist Retirement Center, Owasso.

Bess was born to Simeon Carnes and Alice (Sullivan) Carnes of Black Hawk, MS, the youngest of three children, January 3, 1916.

Bess went to nursing school and received her RN degree in 1939. After nursing school, she married Everett Berkley Gilliam, and they made their home in Greenville, MS. To that union, three sons were born: Everett Berkley (Berk) Jr, Ronald (Ronnie) Carnes and Emmett Newton.

In 1959, the family moved to Tulsa. She began working at St John's Hospital, until she started her long term career at Tulsa's Glass-Nelson Clinic. Bess remained with Glass-Nelson until her retirement in 1980.

Bess was widowed in 1960 with the untimely death of her husband of twenty years, Everett. She continued to work and raise her boys.

After sixteen years, she met the love of her life, John London, and they were married February
1977. They were avid fisherman and loved to travel to many places to do so. Bess loved their life together, and their dog Duke. She was an avid cook and loved to try new recipes on her family and friends. Most of the vegetables she used came from the garden in their backyard.

Bess was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Mohawk Post, of Tulsa. She served in many capacities, one being as President.

There are so many things that could be said about Bess London, but for her family, she was and always will be the matriarch, going by many names: Mother, Mom, Bessie, Bess, Nana, and Nana-Great. She was the glue that held us all together in good times and bad, always there with a hug, an "I love you" and, of course, food.

Bess was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Everett, second husband John, oldest son Berk, youngest son Emmett, sister Claytee Ware, and brother James Carnes.

Bess is survived by her middle son, Ronnie Gilliam, and his wife Peggy, of Muskogee; two granddaughters, Amanda McMillan and husband Josh of Muskogee, and Erin Biggers and husband Dave of Naples, FL; and two great grandchildren, Holdan and Rhyan Gray of Muskogee. She is also survived by her stepson, Jeff London, and wife Darnelle, of Welches, OR; their sons, Josh London and wife Shanna of Seattle, WA, and Nick London and wife Kim of Brightwood, OR, plus their children Gunnar and Piper; and daughters-in-law, Carol Gilliam (wife of Berk) and Shirley Gilliam (wife of Emmett). And of course, she also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and countless wonderful friends.

Services will be held Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 1 pm at Baptist Retirement Center Chapel in Owasso, with burial to follow at Floral Haven cemetery, in Tulsa.


Viewing 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2014,
Moore's Eastlawn Chapel


Moore's Eastlawn Chapel
918-622-1155