Connie Lynn Stilwell

Connie Lynn Stilwell, 68, of Norman, Oklahoma, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 21, 2026. Connie was born to Joseph Richard Tinkler and Bonnie June Hallford Tinkler as the baby of the Tinkler family. From a young age, she was known for her quick wit, earning the affectionate nickname “Girl Garland” because she shared the same playful humor as her big brother. She grew up in a close-knit family where faith, music, and time together were at the heart of everyday life. Connie played the flute, sang soprano, and loved singing in church and in harmony with her sisters. While she enjoyed being social, home was always her favorite place to be. One of Connie’s greatest joys was raising her three children, Larry Lynn, Nathaniel Adam, and Ariel Nicole. She expressed her love through service preparing favorite meals, making birthdays and Christmases special, and carefully choosing the perfect gift. Her mushroom pork chops and taco nights became family favorites, and there was always plenty of food on the table for her growing athletes. She loved cheering on her boys and treasured finally having a daughter to spoil. As her children grew, Connie fulfilled one of her proudest accomplishments by becoming a registered nurse. Nursing wasn’t simply a profession; it was a natural extension of who she already was. The same servant’s heart that cared for her family was the one she carried into every patient room. Among the many roles she held, “Gigi” became one of her favorites. She adored Sloane, Shayne, and Sawyer, delighting in birthdays, holidays, theatre and school performances, first days of school, and life’s everyday moments. Few things brought her more joy than finding just the right gift and watching her grandchildren’s faces light up as they opened it. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. After her passing, her family discovered journals, Bible studies, devotionals, and handwritten notes that reflected years spent faithfully studying God’s Word—a beautiful testimony to the depth of her faith. It was nearly impossible to find a photograph of Connie without a smile or caught in the middle of laughter. Once she started laughing, it was hard for her to stop, and making her laugh became one of her family’s greatest joys.” Her family finds comfort knowing she is now completely whole and in the presence of the Savior she faithfully loved and served. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Richard Tinkler and Bonnie June Hallford Tinkler; her brother, Joe Tinkler; and her sister, Sharon. She is survived by her sons, Larry Stilwell and wife, Whitney, and Nathaniel Stilwell; her daughter, Ariel Bradley and husband, Andrew; her grandchildren, Sloane, Shayne, and Sawyer; her siblings, Garland Tinkler and wife, Terry, Donella Tucker and husband, Tom, Mary Fondren and husband, Neal, and David Tinkler and wife, Marla; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. A celebration of Connie’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Abundant Life Texoma in Durant, Oklahoma. Flowers may be sent to Brown’s Funeral Service in Durant.

Connie Lynn Stilwell

May 22, 1958 - June 21, 2026