Benjamin Funeral Services

09/10/2026

Betty Sue Pierson

Betty Sue Pierson, of Nowata, Ok. passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026 in Cartersville, Ga. on her 91st birthday after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born in Harrison, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emma Dell and Jerell M. Moore, and husband James Pierson II.

She is survived by her beloved family, including son, Jim Pierson and wife Melinda of Cartersville, GA.; her daughter Cheryl Carter and husband Gene; her granddaughter, Elizabeth Pierson and husband Michael Miller of Los Angeles and grandsons Brad Carter of Springdale, AR.; Ryan Carter and wife Leslie and three great-grandchildren Emery, Elliot, and Evalyn Carter of Knoxville, TN.

Sue, as she was known to family and friends, was a woman of deep kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering love. She had a gift for making everyone feel at home, whether through a warm meal, a listening ear, or a simple smile. Sue and her husband Jim volunteered their time tutoring Nowata children to read. Sue and Jim volunteered at the Nowata History Museum, the Glass House and many other organizations in Nowata.

Sue taught seven subjects when teaching at Broken Bow. She had also been in administration at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, CA. After leaving California they lived in Jakarta, Indonesia for three years.

Sue found great joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved cooking, church activities, sewing, etc., and her home was always a place of welcome, laughter, and love. She valued time with her family above all else and created countless memories that will be treasured for generations.

Those who knew Sue will remember her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, and steadfast devotion to the people she loved. She was a source of quiet strength and encouragement, and her impact will not be forgotten.

The family would like to thank her caregivers in Cartersville, Ga. at Arbor Terrace for their years of kindness and support.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday,September 14, at 2:00 pm, in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Nowata. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate her life.

Betty Sue Pierson will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

View Betty Sue Pierson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/09/2026

On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress officially began using “United States of America” in place of “United Colonies.”

It was a small change in wording with a much bigger meaning: thirteen individual colonies were beginning to identify themselves as one united nation.

250 years later, it’s a name recognized around the world.

09/08/2026

Every family has its debates. Who cheated at the board game. Who gets Grandma’s recipe book? Who was actually Mom’s favorite…
Your funeral wishes don’t need to be one of them.

Preplanning gives you the opportunity to make your preferences known ahead of time, so your family doesn’t have to guess, or debate, when the time comes.

When you’re ready to start the conversation, we’re here to help. https://pre-planning-locator.pages.dev/

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we recognize the generations of hardworking men and women whose dedication has helped build, strengthen, and care for our communities.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful Labor Day.

09/05/2026

September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder that being prepared goes beyond flashlights and first aid kits.

Taking time to document your final wishes, organize important documents, and consider preplanning can spare your loved ones from difficult decisions during an already emotional time.

If you've ever wondered what preplanning involves, we're here to answer your questions whenever you're ready. Learn more about the benefits of preplanning:
https://pre-planning-locator.pages.dev/

09/04/2026

You may have noticed that vehicles traveling in a funeral procession often have their headlights on, even in the middle of the day.

The reason is simple: headlights help other drivers recognize that the vehicles are traveling together as part of a funeral procession. Depending on state and local laws, funeral processions may also receive certain right-of-way considerations.

If you encounter a funeral procession on the road, a little patience can go a long way. Allowing the vehicles to remain together is a small gesture of respect for a family accompanying their loved one to their final place of rest.

Sometimes, the simplest acts of courtesy can mean more than we realize.

09/03/2026

James Franklin Loyd

James Franklin Loyd, age 76, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at The Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

James was born on September 5, 1949, in Vivian, Oklahoma, to Clensie Loyd and Alta (Devore) Loyd. In July of 1982, James met the love of his life, Bekki Brannan-Davis, and they were married on October 8, 1982. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

James worked most of his life as a heavy equipment operator, running a dozer for Earth Movers, P&K Coal, and Bemis Construction. He later worked in the coal mines for Phoenix Coal before joining Brakefield Equipment, where he retired in 2019. He was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and pride in honest work.

A devoted family man, James was the father of four children from a previous marriage and lovingly stepped in to raise the three children Bekki brought into the marriage as his own. He led by example, offering steady guidance, unconditional love, and support to his family.

James was active in RESET Church (formerly Living Word Family Church), where he faithfully served as an usher and door greeter, welcoming everyone with warmth and kindness. Upon retirement, he became a vital part of the Loaves & Fishes Food Bank, continuing a life of service by helping care for others in his community.

A man of strong faith, James trusted in the Lord throughout his life and leaned on God’s grace in every season. His Christian beliefs shaped his character and gave him peace in the promise of eternal life.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Clensie and Alta (Devore) Loyd; his brother, Kenneth Loyd; his sister, Francis Coe; and his nephews, Ronnie and Tommy Moffett.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bekki Loyd, of the home; brother Gary Loyd and wife Brenda of Talala, OK; sister Johnnie Moffet of Mounds, OK; sister Lynda Mullins and husband Barry of Okmulgee, OK; son Jody Yarberry and wife Kayla of Dewar, Oklahoma; son Jeffrey Yarberry and wife Stephanie; twin daughters Jill Yarberry and Julie Yarberry, all of Missouri; son Phill Davis and wife Sonia of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; son Robert Davis and wife Shanda of Copan, Oklahoma; daughter Andrea Davis of Nowata, Oklahoma; 15 grandchildren who loved him dearly and affectionately called him Pa; 12 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way; a host of nieces and nephews; and his lifelong best friend, Bill Russell of Henryetta, Oklahoma.

James is now resting in the presence of his Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him. His legacy of faith, service, hard work, and deep love for family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life Service for James’s will be on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at the Reset Church in Nowata, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Journey Home, 900 NE Washington Blvd, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006, or to RESET Church, 225 S. Ash, Nowata, Oklahoma 74048.

Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W Cherokee Ave., Nowata.

View James Franklin Loyd's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/30/2026

On National Grief Awareness Day, we honor every grief journey and remind you that support is always available when you need it.

If you or someone you know is navigating grief, we're here to help. Grief resources are available here:
https://grief-resources-locator.pages.dev/

08/28/2026

Did you know the Civil War had a major influence on modern funeral practices in the United States?

While embalming had existed in other cultures for centuries, its widespread use in America began during the Civil War. Many soldiers died far from home, and embalming made it possible to preserve their bodies for the journey back to their families.

After President Abraham Lincoln was embalmed following his death, public awareness and acceptance of the practice grew even more. Over time, embalming became a more common part of funeral service in the United States and continues to be used today when families choose it.

08/26/2026

Planning ahead doesn't have to mean paying for everything today. Many families appreciate the flexibility of affordable monthly payment options that allow them to make arrangements over time. It's a simple step that can provide peace of mind today and help ease future burdens for the people you love.
Learn more about the benefits of preplanning:
https://pre-planning-locator.pages.dev/