Imogene Homsey Naifeh

Imogene Homsey Naifeh passed away peacefully on November 6, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. "I love you all so much; may God bless all of you," she said, as she closed her eyes and fell into eternal rest. She was 96.Imogene, affectionately known as Sittee or Aunt Ima, was born on June 18, 1926, in Depew, Oklahoma—the sixth of seven children to Richard Simon and Edna Hafeetha "Mama Joe" Homsey. During her early years, she learned the importance of faith, family, and hard work.The Homseys moved to Oklahoma City in 1936. Imogene graduated from Classen High School, receiving an Outstanding Student of Business Award, and began working at John A. Brown in the shoe department alongside her brother Harry, and later at Harry's Food Market. She also loved working with her brothers, Joe, Sam, Benny, and Paul, at American Mutual Company (AMC). After what has been described as a "whirlwind romance," Imogene married the love of her life, Richard Naifeh, on September 3, 1959. They were blessed with two children, Debbie and Rick. In 1967, Imogene and Richard bought Linwood Package Store, a liquor store west of downtown Oklahoma City. Richard sadly passed away due to illness in 1974. From that day on, Imogene ran the store herself, working six days a week to provide for her two children. She often referred to this as a privilege.Imogene thanked God for every day she was able to work. Over six decades, she served customers from all walks of life—loving and caring for them with the same respect and dignity she showed others. She worked her last shift the day before she passed and would not have had it any other way.Imogene was dedicated to the community of St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church, spending many hours with the Ladies Guild, the Ladies Aid Society, Alpha Malachi, as an officer of the Bonne Heure Club, as an inductee in the Order of St. Ignatius, cooking on the Lenten Dinner Committee, and even singing in the choir. At the annual Bake Sale, M&M's Liffit (pickled turnips made by Imogene and her nephew, Mickey Homsey) sold out every year.Imogene's greatest love was her family. After Richard's passing, she completely devoted her life to her children—filling the roles of mother, father, and best friend. The three shared a unique and exceptional bond, spending time together every day. She was proud to be Sittee to her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and Aunt Ima to her many nieces and nephews. She cherished her sister Blanche, and the two began each day with a phone call. No matter who you were, visiting Sittee's house meant a table full of delicious food, and her undivided attention. For many, it meant picking up a tub of her famous labneh, which she enjoyed making each week.Imogene's friends and family adored her. Words cannot express what a special woman she was.Imogene is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; her five brothers and their wives, Joe Homsey (Josephine), Sam Homsey (Margaret), Benny Homsey (Dolores), Paul Homsey (Bernice), and Harry Homsey (Yevonne); and her brother-in-law, Chuck David.She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Naifeh-Engel (Mark); son, Rick Naifeh (Julie); five grandchildren, Ben Callaway, Nick Callaway (Catherine), Corie Naifeh, Adam Engel, and Emily Engel; two great-grandchildren, James Callaway, and George Callaway; her sister Blanche David; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved and treasured so dearly.Visitation will be held Wednesday November 9, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N. May Ave., Okla. City, OK; funeral service on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church; final internment at Fairlawn Cemetery.