Koleeta Kirkham

Koleeta Kirkham, age 86 of Newcastle, passed away Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Koleeta Geraldine Brown was born February 24, 1935 in Oklahoma City, 1 of 4 children born to Russell Calvin Brown and Bessie Young (Linton) Brown. She was raised primarily in Newcastle where she attended school, graduating with the Racer Class of 1953. Koleeta then attended the Women's College in Chickasha where she earned a Bachelors degree in business. She married young to John Mullican II, and they welcomed son, John III. They moved to California for a short time, and it was here that son Russell was born. Not too long after, John passed away, and by 1965, Koleeta, a young widow, moved her boys back to Newcastle. She began working for the State of Oklahoma at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. She worked as a field auditor and in tax enforcement, retiring after nearly 20 years of dedicated service. Koleeta reconnected with an old friend, Willis Kirkham, and they eventually married. She was a woman of great faith. As a young lady, she was a member of the Order of The Eastern Star, and she was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Newcastle. More recently, she began attending the Cowboy Church with her son, Russell. Koleeta's family meant everything to her. She cherished her grandchildren and helped raise them, and they were her pride and joy. She enjoyed traveling and especially on cruise ships. She was an excellent cook and will be forever remembered for her goulash. She was very proud of her Native American heritage, and even prouder to be a member of the Chickasaw Nation. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She will be dearly missed! She was preceded in death by: her son, John Mullican III; her husbands, John Mullican II and Willis Kirkham; her parents, Russell and Bessie Brown and siblings, Leo Brown, Barbara Morrison and R.C. Brown. Koleeta is survived by: her son, Russell Mullican of Newcastle; 6 grandchildren, Cody Scott, JamieWright, Emilee Mullican, Taylor Mullican, Breanna Mullican and November Mullican; 11 great grandchildren, Saige, Jaylin, Ridge, Brylee, Lilly, Calla, Finley, Jaxyn, Maeve, Jolee and Taylor Jr; and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 14, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Newcastle. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Okla. City. Send online condolences @ www.wilsonlittle.com.

Koleeta Kirkham

February 24, 1935 - February 9, 2022