Marilyn Joyce Waters

Marilyn Joyce Waters, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, was born on October 3, 1941, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After a long and impactful journey through life, she passed away on October 2, 2025, in Edmond, Oklahoma, just one day shy of her 84th birthday. With a heart full of love and an unwavering spirit, Marilyn leaves behind an indelible legacy etched in the lives she touched.

Her early career began as a teenager at TG&Y in Fort Smith, where the seeds of dedication and customer service were sown. The call of family beckoned her home to nurture and guide her three daughters—Mary Batchelor, Susan Birdwell, and the late Laura Joyce Rickey—instilling in them the strength and compassion that defined her life. Later, Marilyn rejoined the workforce at Standard Life Insurance Company and UICI serving in her various roles in Policy Owner Services, her commitment to helping others a testament to her character.

Upon retirement, she embraced her lifelong passion for music, breathing life into melodies with her community singing group, the Golden Harmonizers, accompanied always by her beloved pocket-sized pup, Bingo. Her voice rang clear in the church choir and warmed the hearts of many during monthly visits to nursing facilities alongside her dear friend and choir director of forty years, Frank Nelson, creating joy and connection wherever she went.

Beyond her love for music, Marilyn poured her passion into every endeavor. She enthusiastically played in the Church Softball league and actively participated in women’s groups, church camp counseling, and Girl Scouts, creating a rich tapestry of relationships and memories. Each activity was approached with an infectious enthusiasm that drew others into her orbit, illuminating their days with her vibrant personality.

Marilyn's interests extended far and wide, from sewing clothes and blankets to nurturing her lush backyard garden, a green sanctuary that flourished under her devoted care. She took pride in cooking delicious meals for her family and mastered the art of Photoshop creating special pictures and greeting cards for friends and family. An ardent citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she immersed herself in her heritage, forever curious about her roots and the stories that shaped them.

A proud and lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, Marilyn's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She began her spiritual journey as a young girl, helping her parents in the construction of the Massard Methodist Church in Fort Smith. Over the years, she remained steadfastly involved, finding a sense of community and purpose at Douglas Blvd and Mayfair Heights United Methodist Churches.

Marilyn is survived by her devoted husband, Lawrence “Larry” Bruce Waters, and her children, Mary Batchelor and Susan Birdwell (Glendon). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Madison Hey (Austin), Ethan Hayes, Zachary Batchelor, Nicole Batchelor, Zachariah Birdwell (Emily), and a great-grandchild, River Birdwell. Numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors also hold the memory of her warmth and kindness in their hearts.

She was predeceased by her parents, Gilbert Lee Doyle and Ruby Mae Davis Doyle, sisters, Martha Ruth Flanders and Patsy Lee Childress, brother, Gilbert Doyle Jr., and her beloved daughter, Laura Joyce Rickey. As we reflect on the tapestry of her life, we remember a woman who sang not just for the joy of it, but for the love that she held within her heart, a love that will echo through the lives she forever touched. Marilyn Joyce Waters will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to resonate in every note sung and every heart she lifted.

A memorial service will be held to honor Marilyn on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00am at Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church. 3131 NW 50th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112. Streaming available on Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church Facebook page.