Pauline Harjo Byford

Pauline Harjo Byford, 85, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2008, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City from complications related to major heart surgery. 
  She was born to Ruth Burgess and Jimmie Harjo Feb. 19, 1923, in Konawa. She graduated from Chilocco High School May 23, 1941. 
She was preceded in death by Warren H. (Bill) Byford.  They were married in Farewell, Texas, in the fall of 1948.
She had an earlier marriage to Gene Alford, Oct. 5, 1941 in Shawnee.
She loved her Lord, family, the Seminole Tribe and was known for her evangelism. Pauline defined her role in life as an “Exhorter for the Assemblies of God.” She cited Maria Tall Chief as a model and early on wanted to be a ballerina. At the age of 17 she became employed by the movie actress Nancy Coleman who was a finalist for her role as Scarlett in “Gone with the Wind.” In her 20's, Pauline worked in El Segundo, Calif., for the DOD building aircraft and later at the naval depot in Oakland, Calif.  One of Pauline's happiest moments was receiving salvation at a Pentecostal Church in Clovis, N.M. in 1951. During the 50's and 60's she raised kids and worked as a homemaker and Sunday school teacher in Great Bend, Kan. She loved living in Great Bend and has a lifetime membership at the First Assembly of God but in later years attended the Downtown Pentecostal Holiness Church in Shawnee. The Kansas culture was rich in opportunity and rewards for her family and visiting relatives. Over the next few decades Pauline was actively engaged in her ministry, in tribal politics and with her family. She was proud of her independence.  Her memory was legendary and she had exceptional recall spanning for decades of family and Tribal history. Her favorite book of the bible was Roman's Chapter 8. Her favorite song was “Amazing Grace” with her favorite movie being the “Ten Commandments.” Prior to passing she was planning her next prayer conference. After her recent heart attack her physician was overheard commenting “she prayed for me.” The family's response was “we know, that's her job.”
Pauline is survived by Flanders, John, Ken, Monte and Jerri Dawn “Susie”.  Her grandchildren include Jalen, Drew, Chris, Faith, Jeremy, Joni and Rick, Barbie, Fair and Jeff, Nathan, Bridgett and eight great-grandchildren.
Friends who would like to express their condolences and pay their respects to Mrs. Byford, are invited to a public visitation which will be held noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
 A private family funeral will be held Monday with Pauline being buried at the Garden of the Cross. 
Service is under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home in Shawnee.