"As We Reflect…"

Wilbur Gene Crisp

With a quiet and loving spirit, unmatched determination and faith carrying him through, Wilbur Gene Crisp fought a great fight all the way through the many health-related challenges, and never wavered in his courage or his faith; but surrendered and gave up the battle on May 14, 2024.

He was a bright light to his family and church community and will be remembered for his calm spirit, selflessness, generosity, and compassion for all those who touched his life. On April 7, 1950, in Grayson, Oklahoma, Rhuya Crisp gave birth to a bouncing baby boy who she named Wilbur Gene Crisp, also referred to as "Genie". Wilbur was lovingly raised by his mother Rhuya along with 7 other siblings. He was also blessed with 5 additional siblings from his father, Herbert Bruner. Wilbur received his formal education from Grayson High School up to his junior year and then moved to Dewar Public schools to complete his high school education. In high school, he was a stellar athlete and was very well known for his exceptional basketball and boxing skills. Wilbur was dedicated to whatever he set out to do and while in high school, even as a student during the summer months, He was employed with Delaney Construction. After graduating from Dewar High School, Wilbur moved to Oklahoma City where he held many positions. He worked for PPG Painting Company and He later became employed at Millwood Public Schools for over 10 years. A creative soul, Wilbur had many passions and talents and hands that molded things into beautiful outcomes. He loved fishing and hunting and He fell in love with motorcycles and would often be found riding in the rain, sleet, or snow. As life moved on, He was blessed with a beautiful daughter. In 1984 he married the love of his life Lois Elaine Payne. In 1987 he and Lois left Oklahoma City and returned to Grayson, Oklahoma, where they both were born and raised, to make it their home. There they raised two wonderful children. Wilbur carried a great sense of pride for all three of his children. After moving to Grayson, He was employed by Anchor Glass until his retirement.

In 1996 Wilbur joined Union Baptist Church and gave his life to Christ under Pastor Judson Fields and in 1997 he was called to serve and became a Deacon serving faithfully until his transition to Lone Tree Baptist. He served as Deacon at Lone Tree under Pastors Lewis Hanson and Stacy Phillips, Sr. Wilbur loved the Lord and was a true servant of God who extended his hands and heart to serve anywhere in the church as long as He could, while under Pastor Stacy Phillips, until his illness. Wilbur sincerely loved his wife and family and devoted time, love, and hard work to provide for them. Though his sense of pride for his children was great, the Grandchildren really made his Heart melt and smile!

After seventy-four seasons, Wilbur "Genie" Crisp drifted into a peaceful slumber of eternal rest in Christ Jesus on May 14, 2024, in his home with his family and friend at his side. Wilbur is preceded in death by his mother, Rhuya Crisp and his father, Herbert Bruner; his sister, Mariann Richardson; and Brothers Fred Lewis, Jerry Lewis, Alfred Carter and Bennie Carter.

He leaves to cherish his memory and will be waiting in Heaven for his wife Lois of the home; three children, Maranda Seawood (Chistopher) of Springdale Arkansas; Roderick Crisp (Jasmine) of Owasso, OK; Tawanna Izoduwa (Martin) of Oklahoma City, OK; His siblings: Joyce Carter, Clarence Crisp (Mary), Hardis Bruner, Georgia Bruner, Patricia Bruner all of Oklahoma City, OK; Mattie Goudeau, Charlene Bruner of Tulsa OK; 5 Grandsons, 7 Granddaughters, brother and sisters-in-laws, and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. Wilbur "Genie" Crisp will truly be missed by All and in the Grayson Community.

A Home Going Celebration is scheduled Saturday, May 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m., Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1500 N. Miami Avenue, Okmulgee, OK; with his son, Rodrick Crisp delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in Okmulgee Cemetery, Okmulgee, OK.  Visitation will be Friday, 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Okmulgee