Vernice Kaye (Moncooyea) Willis

                                                                    Vernice Kaye Moncooyea Willis

Nyu-pe-do-grane, Looking Out Over Beautiful Land, was born April 4, 1949 to Gloria Collins and Levi Moncooyea at Pawnee Indian Hospital, Pawnee, Oklahoma. Passed into God’s Glory July 21, 2026 in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by family. A proud tribal member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma and Descendant of the Ponca Tribe, Giveswater Family. Vernice graduated Enid High School, 1967 and went on to OSU Tech where she studied and was cheerleading when she met Robert Lowrance. They would have two children. In 2001 she married Harold Willis, a retired Vietnam Army Veteran. Vernice would go on to be a veteran activist at the American Legion, Post 101, Tulsa. Vernice apprenticed with Tulsa Tribune, a union worker; she would go on to be master proof reader before the newspaper went to print. Retiring with The Tulsa World. In retirement, Vernice would be poll watcher for Tulsa County Election Board. A dedicated Democrat. Gifted in many crafts including being a thespian. Started her own theatre company. The Oklahoma Indian Theatre and Dance Company, 1990-2010. Productions included Native American Storytelling with “Legends from the Fire” traveling to Dartmouth College for production. The last production being, “Black Elk Speaks”. Skilled in traditional regalia including sewing, ribbon, leather, feathers and beadwork. Loved to keep her family in regalia. Involved with her grandson's activities Vernice traveled several States for football, swimming and band. Vernice was there in full support of her grandsons. Vernice’s favorite was watching grandsons compete in powwow competitions. And recently a hands-on grandmother she continued to babysit her great grandchildren. Vernice is preceded in death by her mother Gloria Collins, father Levi Moncooyea Sr, husband Harold Willis, siblings Colin Snake, Stanley Snake, Clyde Warrior, Levi Moncooyea Jr, and Alvanita DeLodge. Her memory lives on through siblings Charles Moncooyea, Glenda Harp, Holly Kemble and Susan Moncooyea. Daughter Janella Lowrance Keen, son Kelly Lowrance, and Omaha daughter, Fillicia Phillips. Grandchildren Christian & Graciia Hinkle, Eaan Lowrance, Travis Hinkle, Rusty & Cherylyn Lowrance, and Clayton Hall. Great Grandchildren Moxie Lowranc, Dax Lowrance, Silas Lowrance, and Jasper Lowrance.