Chickasaw Nation 2015 Hall of Fame ceremony July 21

CONTRIBUTED BY Dana Lance, Media Relations.


This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Chickasaw Times

Okla. - The 2015 Chickasaw Hall of Fame induction ceremonies have been set for Tuesday, July 21, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman.

Induction ceremonies will begin at 6:30 p.m.

A historic preservationist, a humanitarian, a protector of the Chickasaw language and a spiritual leader make up the 2015 class of the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame.

Thelma Ross, of Tuttle, Okla.; Homer Paul, of Oklahoma City; Rose Shields Jefferson, of Ada, Okla.; and the late Rev. Jefferson Davis “Sonny” Frazier will be honored and inducted into the hall during the ceremony.

Governor Bill Anoatubby will take part in the ceremony inducting the new class of honorees.

“As we induct these worthy individuals into the hall of fame we pay tribute to the indomitable spirit they have displayed throughout their lives,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “While each of these individuals is unique, they share an uncommon passion for life that enabled each of them to do great things. These men and women remind us that true success is measured by the positive impact we have on others.”

Thelma Ross

Thelma “Chincie” Ross has dedicated her life to serving the people of her community and enriching the lives of both community members and Chickasaw citizens.

Volunteering for years as the self-appointed guardian and caretaker of Tuttle’s Silver City Cemetery, the 97-year-old Chickasaw citizen has protected a place of substantial historical value to both the Chickasaw Nation and the state.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Ross worked in varied positions with several tribes including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Choctaw and Chickasaw. She also worked with the Navajo tribesmen who would serve as famed Code Talkers during World War II, and with American citizens of Japanese descent during the post-Pearl Harbor era.

A vital member of the Tuttle community, Mrs. Ross served as the town’s first librarian, historian and voter registrar and contributed to countless city projects.

In 2009, Mrs. Ross was honored during Tuttle High School’s 100th anniversary by serving as parade marshal. She was honored again in 2013 by local citizens and elected officials when they formally dedicated the Thelma “Chincie” Ross Meeting Room at Tuttle’s new city hall.

Mrs. Ross has been an active member of the Chickasaw Nation northern Pontotoc tribal council for many years.

Homer Paul

Homer Paul has devoted his life to community and economic development, and now provides upcoming generations with ample opportunities to follow the path he forged.

During his 54-year career, Mr. Paul led two banks to become substantial and successful financial institutions, one from startup and one from $77 million to more than $200 million in assets.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1954, Mr. Paul joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was commissioned a second lieutenant. He served active duty for two years and achieved the rank of colonel.

He earned a juris doctorate in 1956 from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.

Mr. Paul and his late wife, Ramona were supporters of the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. He co-founded an endowment to fund an annual scholarship for an outstanding Pauls Valley (OK) High School senior bound for University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University, and is a financial supporter and contributor to many charitable organizations.

Mr. Paul serves on the Chickasaw Nation Industries board and has been a Rotarian for 51 years. He has also served on boards of numerous organizations.

In 2005, he was the recipient of the University of Oklahoma College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Rose Shields Jefferson

A fluent speaker of the Chickasaw language who grew up speaking only Chickasaw, Rose Shields Jefferson devotes much of her life to sharing and teaching Chickasaw language, heritage and culture.

Mrs. Jefferson, a full-blood Chickasaw, serves on the Chickasaw Language Committee. She has been influential in developing “new” words in the Chickasaw Language, along with taking part in the development of the Chickasaw Nation Language app.

Mrs. Jefferson is a member of the Chickasaw Historical Society, Chickasaw Nation Senior Center in Ada, and National Indian Council on Aging. She serves on the Chickasaw Nation Election Commission and participates in the Chickasaw Elder Choir, singing traditional hymns at events and gatherings.

Known for her beautiful bead work, Mrs. Jefferson sews for patients at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and makes Chickasaw regalia for special events.

Born July 25, 1944, to Minnie Allen Shields and Joseph Shields, Mrs. Shields is a 1965 graduate of Haskell Institute.

She is a 2006 Chickasaw Nation Circle of Honor Silver Feather Award recipient and was named an AARP Indian Elder Honoree for the State of Oklahoma in 2013.

Mrs. Jefferson and her husband, Marion Gene have three daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Rev. Jefferson Davis “Sonny” Frazier

Known as a mentor, educator, counselor and spiritual leader, the late Jefferson Davis Frazier touched the lives of Oklahoma public school and Carter Seminary students, Chickasaw Medical Center patients and families and parishioners of Boiling Springs United Methodist Church during his life.

Born Sept. 5, 1946 at Stonewall, Okla., he graduated from Tupelo (OK) High School and earned an undergraduate degree in government and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from East Central (OK) University.

During his career, Rev. Frazier provided counseling in the Oklahoma public school system and worked as director of Chickasaw Nation education programs for more than 17 years.

He served as director of Carter Seminary, Ardmore, and was later appointed chaplain of the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center. Rev. Frazier also served as pastor of Boiling Springs United Methodist Church near Lula, Okla. At the church he shared his culture and heritage in a multitude of ways and was committed to keeping his culture and heritage alive.

He served other churches as a pastoral minister for the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference in Oklahoma and Dallas.

Rev. Frazier left a true legacy within the Chickasaw Nation through his employment and as a minister.

He died Feb. 4, 2012, at the age of 65.

About the Chickasaw Hall of Fame, RSVP information

The 2015 Chickasaw Hall of Fame ceremony will take place Tuesday, July 21, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 2501 Conference Dr., Norman.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the banquet will begin at 6 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Chickasaw musician/composer Zachary Garcia.

There is no charge to attend, but reservations are required for the event.

To make reservations contact Brielle Helm at (580) 436-7258 or email brielle.helm@chickasaw.net.

In 1987 the Chickasaw Nation began honoring Chickasaws who made significant contributions to Chickasaw people or the Native American community by induction into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame. Since then, many Chickasaw men and women have been nominated and inducted into this prestigious circle of honor.

Induction into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Chickasaw by the Chickasaw Nation. For more information about the Chickasaw Hall of Fame, visit www.chickasaw.net.