Lepha Ann Brumley Oates 81 | Palmer, Texas | 1944-2026

Lepha Ann Brumley Oates of Palmer, TX went home to her Heavenly home on June 7, 2026.  She was a lifelong resident of Palmer born June 19, 1944 to Richard Kennon Brumley, Sr. and Mildred Knight Brumley.

She was married to her high school sweetheart, Billy Steven Oates on September 15,1962.  They shared 63 beautiful years together until Billy's death in February of this year.  Their marriage was the truest love and most enduring even when they were together in the care facility.

In addition to her own, Lepha shaped many "children" in her life.  She worked for Palmer ISD for over 20 years.  She was a "nurse", "helper with musical programs and worked in the office. She probably counseled many of these students!  She definitely prayed for them.  She LOVED each and every one of them.  When they reached adulthood, she attended their weddings, showers and birthday parties.  That was her love and devotion to everyone. After she retired from the school, she worked for Ellis County Precinct 1 in Palmer for almost 10 years.  She took care of all the necessary administrative needs for that precinct. This was another group of people she loved dearly.

Lepha is preceded in death by her parents, R.K. Brumley, Sr. and Mildred Knight Brumley, her in-laws, Tommy and Polly Oates, her brothers Richard Kennon Brumley, Jr. and Harry Wayne Brumley.  She was also preceded in death by her precious granddaughter, Emily Oates.

Lepha is survived by her two sons, Timothy Steven Oates, wife Susan and Scott Nelson Oates, wife Lindsey.  She is survived by 6 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.  She devoted her life to them and they all cherished going to Geno/Mimi's house. Lepha is also survived by her sisters, Shirley Hamm, D'Lynn Davis, husband Greg and sister-in-law Jean Brumley along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank Bluebonnet Rehab Care Center for all the care they gave Lepha in the past year as well as Bristol Hospice.  There are too many people to name but they know who they are.  The family received so many hugs and much love from everyone who cared for Lepha (and Billy).

Also, the family would like to thank Sonny Collins, Norma Smith and her daughters, Judy Kerr and many others that we do not know about who faithfully visited Lepha.  We know that you cared for her very much.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

SERVICE INFORMATION: The Celebration of Life will be Thursday, June 11, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Palmer with visitation at 10:00 AM and service at 11:00 AM with Brother Gary Southard officiating.  Pallbearers will be Greg David, Jack Wayne Bardwell, Morgan Thorton, Andrew Smith, Anthony Smith and Phillip Davis. Burial will follow at the Palmer Cemetery with a short service at the cemetery's Gazebo under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Submitted by family