Marjorie Lucile "Mamarj" Collier's Obituary
Marjorie Lucile “Mamarj” Collier, 93, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family in the same city where her beautiful life began on December 20, 1931. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Marjorie’s long life was defined by steadfast love, quiet strength and leadership, and the gentle selflessness that made her the matriarch, the heart and the glue of her family.
Born in Tulsa, Marjorie graduated from Cushing High School where her leadership virtuosity was first revealed. She received The National Geographic Award and The Daughters of the American Revolution Award for leadership, service and patriotism, was a member of the National Honor Society, Orchestra, served as President of the school’s Future Teachers of America (FTA) chapter, was named Recording Secretary for the Texas state chapter of FTA, and, served as the registrar for Cushing High School. At graduation, she was voted “Most Likely to Succeed,” a title she would fulfill countless times over. She went on to attend Oklahoma A&M, earning a Bachelor of Mathematics and Science degree. Her natural curiosity and disciplined mind led her first into the classroom as a high school math and science teacher, and later into the community as a bookstore manager. Both roles perfectly reflected her lifelong passion for learning, literature, and people. Later, upon her return to Tulsa, Marjorie excelled as a real estate agent and broker.
On November 27, 1952, she married the love of her life, Norm Collier. Their courtship began on the campus of Oklahoma A&M after an introduction by a roommate. Upon graduation, Norm’s work took them to Wichita and Haysville, Kansas, then Lubbock, Texas and in 1967 they landed in Tulsa with 3 beautiful young girls in tow. Together they shared decades of partnership, laughter and adventures—especially at the lake, which became the backdrop to many of their happiest memories with family and friends. They were devoted to one another through all of life’s joys and challenges. Caring for Norm through his later years when he suffered from multiple physical complications stood as one of the most quietly noble chapters of their lifelong bond. She never left his side. That same tender care defined her relationships with her children, grandchildren, and extended family—her greatest joys and accomplishment.
To her three daughters, Meredith, Pam and Kim, Marjorie was not only a mother but a guiding presence—a living example of love expressed through action. Her gently clever humor, wisdom, kindness, and unwavering presence shaped her family in ways words cannot capture. She and Norm opened their hearts whenever family needed support, providing three generations a safe and loving home during difficult times.
The origin of the name “Mamarj” began in 1975 with the arrival of her first grandchild, Courtney, who just couldn’t quite say the word, “Grandma”. It kept coming out “Mamarj” and in no time, it stuck. Nearly 50 years later, “Mamarj” is a revered name throughout all family and friends.
Community involvement came naturally to her because giving was her instinct, whether helping with Bluebirds, Camp Fire Girls, or volunteering at church. She gave quietly to causes supporting education, veterans, first responders, and cancer research. She also brought her spark of fun everywhere she went: a sharp sudoku champion, an avid puzzle worker, and a lover of cell phone games. Her “fun-frugal” adventures through garage sales and thrift shops were legendary in her circle. And those closest to her will never forget her spectacular water-skiing days, her quick wit, and her joyous laughter that permeated their family gatherings at Grand Lake.
During Mamarj’s final month, she was so strong. Thanks to the wonderful, around the clock support of her three loving daughters and a non-stop parade of family, as well as the care and support provided by Jamie and Saundra of Miller Hospice, and Sylvia and Neema the caregivers, Mamarj was comfortable and engaging. And right up until the end, Mamarj managed to offer some of her wonderful self-deprecating and smart aleck quips to keep us all laughing.
She is preceded in death by her parents Curtis Hassel and Carrie Lucile Goodnight, her devoted husband of 55 years, Norman Glen Collier, her sister, Almita Davidson, and her brother, Curtis Goodnight. She will be dearly missed by her brother, Clyde Goodnight, of Aubrey, TX; daughters Meredith Kempf and husband, Pat, of Keller, TX; Pam Lister and husband, Dave, of Tulsa, OK, and Kim Rucker and husband, Ed, of Glenpool, OK; Grandchildren Courtney Lewellen, Whitney Lewellen and partner Damon Holdeman, Sarah Rucker, Ben Rucker, Lauren Oury and husband, Kevin, Jennifer Oskey and husband, Aaron; great grandchildren, Ethan Lewellen and partner Sophia, Maryl Lewellen, Justin Lewellen, Charlie Oskey and Quinn Oury; and, a host of amazing cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life honoring Mamarj will be held in November 2025 in Tulsa, where an abundance of family and friends will share their favorite “Mamarj” stories. As Mamarj wished, her ashes will be interred beside her beloved Norm at Floral Haven Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to American Cancer Society.
For a woman so selfless, so humble, and so loving, her legacy will remain larger than life in the hearts of all who knew her. Often at weddings, we hear a passage from 1 Corinthians. Appropriately, those very same words are the perfect description and final tribute to Mamarj. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” It is fitting to say, those words capture her essence completely—and no one lived these truths more deeply than Marjorie Lucile “Mamarj” Collier.
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