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Okeh Bird Obituary
Okeh Bird August 18, 1940- July 16, 2024
KINGSPORT - Okeh Jean Bird (née Craft) passed away July 16th, 2024, from a stroke.
Born in Lee County, Virginia, Okeh was raised in Cumberland, Kentucky. The proud daughter of a coal miner and WWII veteran father and a strong, entrepreneurial mother, Okeh was a product of their values and work ethic. After graduating from Cumberland College, she married Calvin Bird and immersed herself in various career interests before devoting herself full-time to raising her three children and creating a loving, supportive home.
Growing up in Eastern Kentucky taught Okeh to be resourceful. A wonderful cook, seamstress, counselor, educator, and gardener, Okeh took on whatever life demanded of her. She valued her friends from the early years in Lynch Public School and the many places she and Calvin called home. She was a great conversationalist, a voracious reader, an artist, a community volunteer, and a beloved friend to so many.
Okeh loved University of Kentucky sports. Her knowledge of and enthusiasm for UK basketball and football was unrivaled. She celebrated every victory and personally suffered with each loss.
The impact of Okeh's love and support on her family and friends is immeasurable. Her sudden passing has left friends, her children, and grandchildren with a heavy heart. A generation of family history and life lessons passed with her. We all miss dearly her kindness, love, wit, and peanut butter pinwheels.
Okeh is survived by her children Brenda Lee Bird, James Calvin Bird II, and Rodger Kevin Bird; Jamie's wife Stasia and their sons Corbin, Griffin, and Jack; Kevin's wife Beth and children Matthew, his wife Savanah and son Beau, Tyler, and Spencer, her husband Chris and children Ellie and Everett.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 28th at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Kingsport, TN. Visitation with the family will begin at 2PM followed by a Memorial Service at 3PM. A reception will be held following the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Okeh Bird
Jerry O Lucas
July 12, 2025
Sweetest person in our class. CHS Class of 57.
Jerry Lucas
July 20, 2024
Her big smile.
Phyllis Henninger
July 20, 2024
Aunt Jeanie first thing I want to say is how much I Love You. I'm going to miss our calls and text messages, sending each other pictures of our great grandsons. After every call or text you would say "I love you" and once told me I was more like a sister to you than a niece and I felt the same way. My deepest sympathy to your children and your friends and so sadly for the last time I say "I Love you Aunt Jeanie".....Phyllis Henninger and Rick Henninger
James Bailey
July 20, 2024
Okeh was such a delightful and beautiful soul. I can't remember if I ever had a conversation with Okeh where I wasn't lifted up and nourished by her emotion and her positive outlook on life. She touched all that were in her life. Okeh - I will miss you and I regret not getting to say a proper good bye. I look forward to saying hello again and giving you a BIG HUG. Much love to you.
And to Jamie, Kevin and Brenda - I hope you are doing OK. I once read that "Grief is love with nowhere to go." Well, the place for that love to go, is gratitude. Have an amazing celebration of life - full of gratitude for the abundance Okeh brought to all of us. - James Bailey
Ellen and Jeff Yates
July 20, 2024
We always enjoyed chatting with Jean and Calvin in the hallway at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. What a sweet woman Jean was! We are remembering the family prayer.
suzette Dalton
July 19, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Charles Sproles
July 18, 2024
We were in the same church family with Jean. What a beautiful lady and always had a smile and a kind word. Our children were friends and I will never forget her friendship to our family. We will certainly miss her and Calvin. Prayers and comfort for all the family. Charles and Pat Sproles
Kevi fields
July 18, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Bob Henninger
July 18, 2024
Always loved spending time with maw maw and Aunt Jeannie, in Kingsport TN. Going to miss you both.
Robert Henninger
July 18, 2024
Delores Davis
July 18, 2024
My friend. She and I shared many happy college days and kept in touch forever. I shall miss our happy texts and times together. Go with God, my friend.
Sheila McCulley
July 18, 2024
Okey was a very sweet and kind lady. She was always smiling and a wonderful friend and kind lady. I enjoyed sitting outside her house talking about church and family. We both attend Colonial Heights Baptist Church. She was a big help to me when her neighbor (my Aunt Margaret Norris) had to leave her home due to illness. I could drop off money for the mowers and she would make sure they were paid. She has beautiful flowers too. She will be missed!
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