Sylvia "Pete" Jean (Buzzard) Wilson

Sylvia Jean (Buzzard) Wilson was born on August 31, 1948 in the Barber Community, to Easley and Lydia (Swimmer) Buzzard. A full-blood Cherokee, she was raised alongside her four siblings with a deep appreciation for her Native American culture. She was a graduate of Sequoyah High School and attended classes at Haskell Indian Nations University and Northeastern State University. She later received her certification in Horticulture from ICTC, reflecting an early appreciation for nature and growth. She devoted many years to her true passion, being a wife and mother to her four children, lovingly raising her children and creating a warm, caring home. Once her children were grown, she began working as a housekeeper at Grace Living Center for 18 years, where her quiet dedication and strong work ethic were evident to all who knew her.

On May 26, 1972, she married the love of her life, Richard. Their marriage of 53 years was a true partnership, built on devotion, loyalty, and love. Together, they found joy in life’s simple pleasures—from a quiet morning flipping through the local newspaper or an evening piecing together a puzzle. One of their regular trips was going to Del Rancho for breakfast, where they enjoyed the comfort of familiar food and familiar faces and then a little thrifting at Tahlequah Area Restore Rack. She loved to dive into a good soap opera, especially General Hospital, watching old westerns, and her favorite movie, Footloose. Every year for Cherokee National Holiday, she would anxiously await her new holiday t-shirt for her birthday. She had a deep love for animals, particularly dogs, caring not only for her own, but also feeding all the neighborhood strays.

In recent years, she especially treasured time spent having family over for gatherings, creating moments that will be forever remembered. Though she valued her privacy and lived quietly, her love spoke loudly through her actions. She was a deeply caring and loving mother and was affectionately known by many as “Aunt Pete.”

Her faith was an important part of her life; she had an unwavering heart for the Lord and was a faithful member of Union Community Church. On Friday, December 19, 2025, she was welcomed home into the arms of her Savior at the age of 77 years old. Her gentle spirit, steadfast love, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

She has gone on to join her parents, Easley and Lydia Buzzard, one brother, Easley “EJ” Buzzard, two sisters, Lucille (Studie) Samples and Mozelle Turner and one grandson, Lawton “Choogie” Buzzard.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Richard Andrew Wilson of the home, one son, Richard “Son” Wilson and companion Brianna of Broken Arrow, OK, three daughters, Paula Buzzard of Lost City, OK, Loretta Adams and Rose Wilson, both of Tahlequah, OK and one sister, Shirley Forekiller in Tahlequah, OK. Her legacy lives on through her nine grandchildren, Censee Buzzard, Jeremee Collins, Jakob Adams, Kenlee Kelley, Ella Kelley, Lyric Wilson, Trey Wilson, Rowdy Wilson and Roady Wilson. She also leaves seven nieces, Lana Turner of Moody, OK, Jamie Phelan of Tenkiller, OK, Linda Waddle of Tahlequah, OK, Geraldine Scott of Tenkiller, OK, Amanda Chuculate of Moody, OK, Lisa Foreman of Moody, OK and Maggie Jones of Barber, OK, three nephews, Michael Guinn of Tahlequah, OK, Punkin’ Samples of Fort Gibson, OK and Allen Samples of Tahlequah, OK, special cousin, Jean Handle of Tenkiller, OK, as well as her church family, Del Rancho Crew and a many friends and loved ones.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 2:00pm until 6:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. Funeral Services are Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 2:00pm at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor Sara Spencer officiating. She will be laid to rest at Barber Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers include Jakob Adams, Allen Samples, Punkin' Samples, Richard Wilson, Ernie Scott, and Marty Poyner.

A reception will be held following services at Union Community Church, located at 21464 Stick Ross Mountain Road, Tahlequah, OK 74464.