Zelma Dean Watson Bilby was born to Walcie and Luther Watson in Boswell, Arkansas on June 28, 1930. When her three-year-old brother Seaborn was brought into the room to meet his new sister, he said, "Why are you crying, little baby? Do you want to go back home?"

After a long life of full-hearted love for her family, her community, and her God, Zelma went back home on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

To Zelma, nothing was more important than harmony, and she lived as an example of peace. Never critical of others' actions or motives, slow to anger, and fast to forgive, she was an admirable example of the satisfaction and rewards her religion promises. She always put the need of others over her own. Her spirit was pure and her motives always righteous.

Zelma and her husband Lavell were always busy doing for others without mention or seeking notoriety. They used their talents selflessly and left behind a host of grateful beneficiaries among whom are their 3 children, Barbara Madden and her beloved, late husband Terry Madden of Oklahoma City, Darrell Bilby of Sapulpa, David Bilby and Bonnie Humayun of Sapulpa.  Zelma is also survived by her brother Thurl Seaborn Watson of Okemah; 5 grandchildren and their spouses, Jennifer and John Kelsey of Oklahoma City, Sarah and Vernon Champlin of Colorado Springs, Aaron and Cassandra Madden of Tulsa, Ginger and Brad Ferguson of Sand Springs, and Jared and Laura Bilby of Bristow; 9 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild, Josiah Kelsey, Ally Madden, Zach Madden, Avery Madden, Samuel Champlin, and Katie Champlin, Kiley Bilby and Khloe Bilby.

She also leaves behind several much-loved nieces and nephews.

Zelma was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters and 2 brothers, and her husband of 65 years, the love of her life, Lavell Gilbert Bilby.

Whatever the task, they were always prepared; wherever the need, they were there.

Her favorite profession as a realtor and her own appreciation for the security and joy a home can bring served her clients well.

Cooking dinners and sharing with her family were the ultimate joys of her life. Chocolate cakes were her specialty, and the kitchen was her joyous domain. The table was where she and her family celebrated life and their love for each other.

Most importantly to Zelma, her Christian faith and her reliance on God was the bedrock of her time here on Earth. She was a Christian in every sense of the word, and was what we all want to be—s was happy.