Naomi Elaine Nicholson's Obituary
Naomi Elaine Bright Nicholson was born on June 12, 1944, in Checotah, Oklahoma, to Reverend James McConnell Bright and Myrtle Beatrice Combs Bright. The fifth of six children, she grew up in a home filled with faith, music, and the gentle strength of a family devoted to God. On April 26, 2026, while in the care of Compassus Hospice, Naomi entered her eternal rest peacefully at Emerald Care Nursing Center in Claremore, Oklahoma. She was 81.
Naomi’s life was anchored in her unwavering faith and her deep love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her greatest legacy was the spiritual foundation she passed on to her family, friends, and all who crossed her path. As the daughter of an Assemblies of God pastor, she spent her childhood serving alongside her family in churches across Oklahoma, including Beggs, Checotah, Henrietta, Redfork, Jenks, and Tulsa. In adulthood, she also made her home in California, Ponca City, Bartlesville, and Claremore.
From the time her small hands first touched the piano keys, Naomi discovered a profound love for music. She learned both piano and organ and was often found singing and playing in her father’s church. Throughout her life, she devoted countless hours to music ministry—serving faithfully as a pianist and organist, leading praise and worship, and directing choirs with passion and excellence. Teaching her two daughters to play piano and organ was one of her greatest joys and sweetest callings. Together, the three formed a beloved trio whose harmonies blessed congregations weekly and were occasionally reaching listeners through television and radio.
Naomi delighted in hosting large gatherings filled with music, laughter, and home‑cooked meals. She cherished time with family and friends and loved feeling the wind on her face while riding in her boat. Her love of music extended to her grandchildren and the children of the church. Her grandchildren fondly remember her “marching band,” where she taught them to play piano, sticks, drums, bells, and tambourines to songs like “Joy Bells Keep Ringing in My Soul.” They especially treasure singing their favorite song with her, “Can He, Could He, Would He, Did He.” Above all, they remember her infectious laughter—one of the most joyful and enduring gifts she shared.
Naomi’s life was marked by faith, music, family, and a heart that welcomed everyone. Her legacy continues in the lives she touched and in the songs she taught others to sing.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Obediah Davis Bright and Armenda Mae Rinker, and Steven Clark Combs and Nancy Nell Melivina Jones; her parents, Reverend James McConnell Bright and Myrtle Beatrice Combs Bright; her siblings, Myrtle Mae Bright Brummett and Ray Gene Bright; her sister‑in‑law, Jerlene Bright; her son‑in‑law, William Paul Howard; and her granddaughter, Rachel Meghan McGuire‑Clayton.
Naomi is survived by three devoted siblings: James Bright of Norman; Joyce McKee and her husband, Bill, of Tulsa; and Beatrice McKim of Ponca City, along with her sister‑in‑law, Lynda Bright of Tulsa.
She leaves behind her two loving daughters: Diedra Denise Cowan and her husband, Larry, of Bartlesville; and Cheryl Eileen McGuire Howard of Claremore. Naomi was the proud grandmother of five cherished grandchildren: Alexander Robinson and his wife, Gabriella, of Round Rock, Texas; Gabrielle Nichole and Kaliope Annelise, both of Claremore; Abigail Watkins and her husband, Cody, of Chouteau; and Karina Cowan of Bartlesville. Her legacy continues through her four great‑grandchildren: Charles Weston, Aggie Meghan, and Boone Wilder, all of Claremore; and Camila Grace of Round Rock, Texas. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel in Broken, Arrow, with a graveside service to follow.
Officiating will be Reverend Anna Hubbard, with scripture reading by Reverend Larry Cowan and the obituary reading by William “Bill” McKee.
Honorary pallbearers will include Bill McKee, James Bright, Alexander Robinson, Cody Watkins, Charles Weston, and Boone Wilder.
Naomi’s life was defined by her steadfast faith, her devotion to family, and her gentle, enduring spirit. Her presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
To view Naomi's service you may click on the link https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/naomi-nicholson
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