Gloria Jean Chilton

Born on Mother’s Day, May 11, 1930, in Neodesha, KS to the late James Joseph Molloy and Marquerite Muriel Johnston, she was the second of 4 children. She was raised in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas as her father’s job with Sinclair Oil Company prompted frequent relocations. In May of 1948 Jean graduated high school from Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Jean worked as a secretary at Buffalo Oil Company until her marriage September 30th, 1950, to William Allen “Bill” Chilton. At the time of her marriage Bill worked for Skelly Oil Company and was a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. The Korean Conflict caused Bill’s guard unit to be deployed, and Bill was stationed at Albrook Air Force Base, Panama. Jean joined Bill at the U.S. Air Base in Panama where their first child, Christine, was born.

Upon Bill’s honorable discharge the family moved back to Tulsa where Bill returned to Skelly Oil Company and Jean became a homemaker and eventually mother to five more children. Jean was an avid reader and enjoyed quilting, sewing and crochet work.

Pre-deceased by her husband, Bill Chilton; her parents, and her sisters, Joan MOLLOY Araas Price; Sister Rose Marilyn Molloy and one brother, James Joseph “Jim” Molloy, Jr.

She is survived by her six children: Christine Chilton and Gail Fair-Tucker (Keith Tucker) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Roxie Chilton Pless (Mark) of Tyler, Texas, Sharon “Samantha’ Chilton Bruce (Gene) of Troup, TX. Also, by sons, W. Keith Chilton (Maggie) of Pasadena, California and Joseph A. Chilton of Manor, TX.

Jean is also survived by grandchildren: Mark J Bruce, (Bonnie) Austin, TX ; Matthew J Bruce, Manor, TX; Christopher Chilton and Nathan Chilton both of Winter Haven, FL; Rachael Chilton Morgan (Joshua) Fayetteville, North Carolina. Also surviving are Amanda Pless Knight Henderson of Tyler, Tx, Patrick W Fair of Broken Arrow, Ok, and Daniel K Fair (Dr. Kaysee Fair) of Phoenix, Arizona.

Six great-grandchildren survive: Austin Bruce and Avery Bruce of Round Rock, TX; Will and Dean Chilton of Winter Haven, Fl.; Aaron A. Knight and Sierra Henderson both of Tyler, TX.

Jean is also survived by one great-great grandchild, Alexander James Knight of Tyler, Tx.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at a date to be determined.