Mariam Charlotte Surbeck

Mariam Charlotte (Colson) Surbeck was born on June 25th, 1973 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Linda Johnson Gibson and Joe Krieger. She went to be with our Heavenly Father on September 8th, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 52. Mariam was preceded in death by her cherished Grandmother Charlotte Ann (Keyes) Johnson, her great-grandparents Reuben and Pearl (Bates) Keyes; great-great-grandparents, Thomas and Nettie (Parton) Keyes, and great-great-grandmother Bertha (Wallace) Sahkono. She is survived by her parents and her children; from her marriage to Hunter Younge, Christiana Younge, Rilee Younge, from her marriage to Matthew Surbeck, Robin Surbeck, and Charlotte Surbeck, and her grandchildren Early Ford and Orson Ford. She also leaves behind five siblings; Rachel Hall, Courtney Kaniewski, and Joey Krieger; bonus siblings Shannon Parker, and Shea Miles. Her family was her world. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, and as the first grandchild of her beloved Grandma Charlotte, she held a special place in the hearts of her aunts and uncles. Known for her quick wit and sage advice, Mariam was a source of joy, laughter, and wisdom to all who knew her. She was always excited to attend a family gathering or dance, and found great happiness in sharing good food with good company. She was an enrolled member of the Wichita Tribe, and a member of the Caddo Nation. Some of her favorite memories were made with her family on the road, around a campfire, and under the stars, especially on camping trips with her siblings whenever they could get away. Mariam had a lifelong love of learning, books, and school supplies. We enjoyed testing every pen and marker each new school year. She received bachelor's degrees in both accounting and early childhood education, and became a fourth-grade teacher where her compassion and intelligence left a lasting impact. She was often praised for her skill and desire to work with special needs children. Mariam had many talents and interests. She was a song bird who performed at many special occasions and church services. John Casablanca recognized her beauty and signed her to a modeling contract in her youth. A sleuth at heart, she loved mysteries and puzzles of all kinds; from jigsaw to sudoku to true crime. She was a master of trivia games, much to the chagrin of her nieces and nephews who begged for a chance to answer. In life, Mariam gifted the world with a loving and generous spirit. She volunteered with Junior League and The Parent Teacher Association. Even in her passing, she continues to give. Honoring her wish to be an organ donor, Mariam leaves behind a legacy of giving life, healing, and hope to many.