SHAWNEE, Okla. — Belle D. Testerman, age 97, went to live in her Father's House, prepared for her by her Savior Jesus Christ (John 14:2-3) on June 23, 2008. She was born to William Patton and Elizabeth Stacy Deskins on October 15, 1910 in McDowell County, W.Va. She lived in Bluefield until failing health caused her to move to Shawnee, Okla. with her daughter Berniece Lowder, who survives her. She is also survived by three grandsons and their families: Thomas and Chi Chi Dietz, Dwight and Janet; Curtis and Karen; six great-grandchildren, Bernice, Wm. Curtis, Shannon, James, Allison and Kaylee: one great-great grandson, Brenner Drew; many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband, Troy Testerman; son-in-law, W. James Lowder; brothers, Albert, Thurman and F.M.; sisters, Ella Cline, Mayme Benedict, Emma Deskins and Jessie Hill. Affectionately known to her family and friends as "Ms. T", she was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church until moving to Oklahoma. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, various crafts, bowling, and cheering for the Atlanta Braves. Her strong will and determination are hallmarks of her life and set a high standard for her family. A service of praise to God and honoring Ms. T will be at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, W.Va., led by her former pastor and friend, Bynum Orr at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services on Thursday. She will rest temporally at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Bluewell, W.Va. until Jesus comes to resurrect her body to live forever. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the Troy W. and Belle D. Testerman scholarship at Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK 74804. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, W.Va. is serving the Testerman family.
Published in the Bluefield Daily Telegraph on 6/25/2008