Sarah Parnell Bynum

Sarah Parnell Bynum, age 87, of Oklahoma City, died on Saturday, December 31, 2011 peacefully in her home, in the company of family and friends. Sarah was born in Anniston, AL on January 27, 1924, the youngest daughter of 12 children, to William Alexander and Ottie Parnell Clark. The family moved to Oklahoma in 1928 and settled in Wilburton, where she met Joe C. Bynum. During WW-II Sarah supported Joe and helped the war effort as a ship welder in California. After the war Joe and Sarah were married in Yuma, AZ and returned to Wilburton, OK where they had their first son, Larry. A few years later, they moved to Oklahoma City, OK and gave birth to Stephen and Victoria (Missy). Sarah and Joe grew a successful business building homes all over the OKC area. Sarah's knack for numbers took care of the finances and her fine eye for style and design added beauty and comfort to the homes. She was "First Lady" the year Joe was President of the Oklahoma City Home Builders Association. Sarah loved the endless hunting and fishing trips with friends to Mexico, Canada, and all over the USA. Her personal CB handle "PricklyPear" was famous for navigating any sportsman's paradise. Sarah loved OU football and was an exceptional tailgate hostess at the many of the games. Sarah loved the outdoors and enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting or just walking in the woods with her children near the family cabin on Lake Eufaula. She was an accomplished cook supplying her recipes with fruit and vegetables from her own garden. She was an accomplished gardener and a reputable source of information on horticulture. Sarah was a very loving, caring, and fun mother, loved and respected by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. There are many others who said they consider Sarah their "2nd Mom". Predeceased by her husband Joe and her eldest son Larry, Sarah is survived by her older sister, May Ellen Samples (94). Sarah is also survived by her son Steve N. Bynum (wife Mary L. Cunningham), her daughter Victoria (Missy) L. MacNaughton (husband Wayne A. MacNaughton), her daughter-in-law Katherine (Kitty) S. Bynum, her granddaughters, Shanon L. Miller (husband Dale Miller), Kara M. Gilbert (husband Chris Gilbert), and great-grandchildren, Taylor M. Miller, Addyson G. Miller, Alexis G. Miller, Tanner W. Sowell, numerous nieces and nephews, and her long time Yorkie companion, "Sunshine".