Jean Tipps

Jean Tipps, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2026, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born on August 26, 1933, in Ravia, Oklahoma, to Henry and Erma (Moore) Evans. Jean was one of twelve children—eight brothers and three sisters—and she cherished her place as one of the “middle kids” in the lively Evans family.

On December 2, 1950, Jean married the love of her life, Harold Tipps. Just one month later, Harold was called to serve in the Army. Jean moved to Pennsylvania during his service, returning to McAlester, Oklahoma in time for the birth of their daughter Cathy. Later, Duncan became the place where she and Harold raised their four children—Cathy, Judy, Steve, and David. Jean was a gentle, devoted mother whose kindness touched not only her own children but many others; her home was always open to kids who needed a safe and loving place to stay.

In 1983, Jean and Harold moved to McAlester to be closer to her mother and siblings. After Harold’s passing on December 5, 2002, Jean remained in McAlester until returning to Duncan in 2020. She lived with her daughter Judy and son-in-law Joe until 2022, when she made her home at West Wind Assisted Living, and where she stayed until her passing.

Jean was known for her radiant, sincere smile—something friends and family remember instantly when they speak her name. She treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. She loved gardening, canning, and helping others in any way she could. Jean and her sister Bell volunteered daily at the Senior Center and worked tirelessly to ensure families in need had food on the table and Christmas gifts for their children. One of her fondest memories was the year she spent helping her sister Sue write a book about their childhood; each of the “Dozen Evans” siblings wrote their own chapter.

Above all, Jean’s greatest joy was her family. She made certain her children knew and loved the Lord Jesus Christ as she did. Her faith was the foundation of her life, evident in her kindness, her generosity, and the gentle way she cared for everyone around her.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold Tipps; grandson, Chris Pewitt; brothers: Jay, Arthur, Pete, John, Everett, and Luke Evans; and daughter-in-law, Tina Tipps.

She is survived by her children: Cathy Nelson, Judy Keller and husband Joe, Steve Tipps and wife Debbie, David Tipps; grandchildren: Gina Allie (Mike), Shelly Rice (Neal), Jason Underwood (Angela), Steven Tipps, Chris Tipps (Barbara), Mitch Stripe, Blaine Tipps, Autumn Treas (Dylan), David Tipps; and great-grandchildren: Whitney, Blake, Tanner, Sadie, Gage, Austyn, Jayci, Hannah, Shelby, Darcy, Cody, Hunter, and Kaylee.  Jean is also survived by her brothers: Coy Joe Evans (Brenda), Paul Evans (Jackie), and sisters: Florence Tipps, Bell Perteet, and Sue James (Randy).

The family will receive visitors Monday, April 6, at Whitt Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 P.M.  Funeral services are planned for 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 7, at Prairie Hill Church of Christ with pastor, Mario Pineda officiating.  Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.