Shannon Rose Chuculate Fisher of Sallisaw, 85, passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022.
Born on May 16, 1937, to Claude McKeel Chuculate and Madge Lee Fine Chuculate, Shannon attended all 12 years of school in Sallisaw and graduated in 1955. She then went on to attend Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas for the next two years.
After attending Haskell, Shannon moved to Tulsa and worked as a receptionist for Bill Doenges Ford before moving to Tampa, Florida where she worked as a dental hygienist for several years.
Shannon was truly a world traveler. In 1966 she moved to Japan and married William “Bill” Fisher. She had a charismatic personality which resulted in her employment with Bristol Myers as a sales representative calling on military bases. While there she met many of what would become her lifelong friends.
Shannon and Bill relocated to Okinawa in 1969 where they would live for the next six years. In 1975, they returned stateside to California and Shannon would call on bases in northern California, Nevada, southern California, and Arizona during her tenure with Bristol Meyers.
In 1978, they moved to Dallas, Texas where Shannon continued to serve military bases in both Texas and Oklahoma and later became director of marketing for Monarch Crown, working on 5th Avenue in New York City, a military division of Bristol Meyers. One of her many accomplishments in her professional career was winning the prestigious Top Salesperson of the Year award, and she was the first woman to do so in the company. In 1984, Shannon retired from Bristol Myers after 18 years. At that time, she felt called to come back to Sallisaw where she would return to her hometown roots.
Shannon felt her contribution to the workforce was not complete so she entered entrepreneurship and opened “A Cut Above” beauty salon in Sallisaw, where she would reconnect with many family and friends. Shannon loved working in her own community, making many fond memories that she would cherish for years to come.
A proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Shannon was born and raised on the Chuculate family allotment, land that remains in her family to this day. Shannon was honored when she was asked to serve her tribe through an appointment to the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission. As a Commissioner, Shannon traveled all over the United States representing her tribe. She held this position for 14 years.
Shannon was preceded in death by her parents, Claude McKeel and Madge Fine Chuculate. She is survived by Bill Fisher and precious pup Rocco of the home; brother Mickie Chuculate and Judy Veigel; and sisters Jeanie McReynolds and Melinda O’Neal, all of Sallisaw. She is also survived by her nephews Shawn McReynolds; Chad McReynolds and wife Tiffani, of Sallisaw; niece Lindsey O’Neal of Honolulu, Hawaii; nephew Micah O’Neal of Norman; and great-niece Taylor McReynolds of Stockton, California.
Shannon’s Christian faith was always her foundation, leading her through life’s journey. A celebration of this life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Sallisaw with Greg Burnsed officiating. Arrangements are being made through Forever Memories Funeral Services in Sallisaw.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sallisaw Animal Care Facility, 1590 South Opdyke, Sallisaw, OK 74955.
The family would like to thank the ER, ICU, and Stepdown nurses, doctors, and staff at Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah for their compassionate and professional care of our beloved Shannon.
Services are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services, Sallisaw, OK.
fmfsinc.com