Tommie Jean Beddow

August 15, 1943 – August 30, 2026

Tommie Jean Beddow was born August 15, 1943, to Helen & Thomas Middleton in Fort Worth, TX. She was the middle child of older brother Ben Middleton and younger sister Joann. As a child Tommie Jean enjoyed playing the piano and loved attending school. Her sister Joann recalls how studious and dedicated she was to her education. She remembers her sister even as a child being mature well beyond her age and being a loyal confidant to all her friends. She graduated from Kennedale High School in Kennedale, TX in 1961 where she was a skilled basketball player. A talent she later passed down to her children and grandchildren.

After high school, Tommie Jean went on to attend Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX. During college, Tommie Jean would spend her summers serving with fellow students from the Baptist Student Union traveling at least 6-weeks each summer teaching children’s vacation bible school. A love which she continued throughout her entire life. While attending the college she fell in love with a fellow student and local rodeo cowboy Thomas “Tommy” Beddow. The sweethearts got married on June 12th,1964. The two were made for each other.

After graduating college with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Tommie Jean moved with her husband to South Carolina to live on base after Tommy enlisted in the United States Army. After serving his country and retiring an officer, Tommy and Tommie Jean moved to Stonewall, OK to live on a family ranch. During this time, they welcomed their first-born Kenneth Beddow into the world followed by their daughter Kelli three years later. Her kids will tell you that they felt her unconditional love and that she was their biggest supporter. At this time, Tommie Jean began teaching at Stonewall schools. She taught third grade from 1972 to 1985, during which time she received the Teacher of the Year award while also getting the opportunity to educate both her children as their own third grade teacher. Her children will tell you they didn’t think it was as much fun as she did. They remember how strange it was having to call her “Mrs. Beddow” instead of Mom but out of fairness to all her students she told them it was the right thing to do. While living in Stonewall, Tommie Jean attended church at Stonewall First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School.

In 1986, Tommie Jean and husband Tommy moved their church membership to First Baptist Church of Ada. They were faithful members and involved in many church ministries, including teaching Sunday School for over 30 years. During the week, you could often find Tommie Jean working on her Sunday lessons, making activities and reviewing each story as she felt it was an important calling. After years of being an educator Tommie decided to attend East Central University, receiving her Master’s Degree in Education. In 1988, Tommie Jean began teaching in the Ada City School system. She was a passionate educator with a love for children. In total Tommy Jean was a public educator for 37 years, eventually retiring in 2009.

She enjoyed her retirement spending time with her family, namely her grandchildren whom she loved to support. During the summers you would often find one or more of her grandchildren spending weeks with their grandmother. She loved to encourage them to follow their passions, from sports, to music and performing arts, Tommie Jean was their biggest fan. They all knew her as “meme”. Her grandchildren say she just had a way of knowing things that always surprised them. Her grandchildren remember her asking to kneel with her on the floor and pray. In those moments she showed them a lesson that would stay with them the rest of their lives. When they are faced with sorrow, confusion, or things we can’t understand, we can always drop to the floor and find comfort in our Savior. She showed them that sometimes the answer isn’t found in having the right words or understanding why something has happened, but in turning to God and trusting him to carry them through.

Anyone who knew Tommie Jean understood she was a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. Tommie Jean and her husband Tommy were certified members of the North American Mission Board (NAMB). They supported missionaries across the globe. One of their biggest joys in life was spent serving as a part of a team who coordinated Lay Renewals at churches all over the state of Oklahoma. They spent time in discipleship with other adults growing church memberships with the goal of strengthening other’s walk with Jesus Christ. In retirement, Tommie Jean also enjoyed spending time with her fellow educators as a member of the Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association and with the Chimney Hill Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was very honored by her association with both organizations. After her husband Tommy passed away in 2021, she was a source of comfort for her family. Her family recalls some of their favorite memories of their life was spending Christmas and Thanksgiving, gathered around her table, and going to church to sing Christmas songs by candlelight.

Tommie Jean is survived by her son Kenneth Beddow of Ada, OK; daughter Kelli Beddow-Barrowman and husband David of Ada, OK; One sister: Joann Cooper and husband Mike of New London, TX; Sister-in law: Barbara Huffsmith and niece Shelley Odem; Five Grandchildren: Stephen Miller and wife Paige of Ada, OK; Marshall Miller and husband Miles of Noble, OK; Julia Carpenter and husband Josh of Noble, OK; Luke Beddow of Oklahoma City, OK; and Zachary Beddow of Pauls Valley, OK.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Ben Middleton and beloved husband Tommy Beddow.