Edna Belcher

Edna Belcher, 84, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, passed away Saturday, September 26, 2020, at her home. Edna was born on February 9, 1936, in Hanna, Oklahoma, the daughter of Andrew and Ada (Cooper) Butler. She began her career as a cook at the Fountainhead Lodge for 20 years and then worked with Eufaula Bingo. On December 23, 1969, Edna married Jack R. Belcher in Eufaula. He preceded her in death on September 30, 1999. Edna was a member of the West Eufaula Indian Baptist Church. In 1987, Edna was approached by Vann McIntosh, Superintendent of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Eufaula Dormitory, to work in the kitchen. She worked 27 years before retirement at the dormitory and left a loving and nurturing legacy to hundreds of children. Edna was a charter member of the Eufaula Indian Community and served as the first co-chairman, as well as 19 years as EIC Treasurer. On Oct. 27, 2016, the EIC honored Belcher by naming the EIC Nutrition Center the Edna Belcher Elder Nutrition Center for her service to the citizens, community and the Nation. In 2018, Edna was inducted as a Living Legend for her service to the Nation and Eufaula community throughout her lifetime. She also received numerous other awards in her life time, too many to mention. Survivors include: her sons, Richard Belcher, Robbie Belcher, and Benjamin Belcher and wife Jana; her daughters, Marilyn Tattershall, Mony Tainpeah, Jacqueline Brinkley and husband David, and Nancy Skaggs and husband Jack; her brother, Andy Butler; her sisters: Julie Butler and Christine Butler and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack R. Belcher; four sons, Johnny Belcher, Taylor Fields, Gene Fields and Jackie Lee Belcher; three daughters, Virginia Hill, Evelyn Belcher, Judy Morsette; and three grandchildren, Arianna Brinkley, Robert Holt and Ryley Crossfield.