Marty Mullen Corder

Marty Corder passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025 surrounded by her family in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Martha Jean Mullen was born February 4, 1945 to Vernon and Frances Mullen in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa in 1963, she attended the University of Oklahoma where she was a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Marty graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts and began teaching English, Drama, Speech and Debate, and Yearbook at Del City High School. In 1974 she earned her Master of Education degree with a concentration in Secondary Administration from OU. It was at Del City High School that she met fellow teacher Jim Corder in 1975 and they were married in 1982. Later, Marty served as an Assistant Principal at Kerr Junior High, Principal at Monroney Junior High, and ultimately as a district level administrator for several programs, including Gifted and Talented Education. Marty was always proud to be the first female administrator in secondary education in Mid-Del. She retired in 2006 after 40 years in public education.
Marty lived a colorful life. She adored vivid colors and always wore bright red nail polish. She was an avid reader and lover of history, especially anything related to the British Isles. Her love of history translated into a love of travel. In addition to many family trips to Walt Disney World, Marty and Jim had wonderful trips to Paris, London, and Hawaii. Her favorite way to relax was reading the newspaper, drinking coffee, and playing with her beloved miniature schnauzers.
Following the tradition of her mother Frances, Marty enjoyed knitting, sewing, crocheting, and cross-stitching. Later in retirement, she enjoyed making cards and stamping. Marty also continued Frances' tradition of cherishing all things Christmas. Marty's ornament collection was legendary; she began collecting Hallmark ornaments in 1974 and never stopped. She may have finished decorating on Christmas Eve and left it up until Valentine's Day, but she loved a fully decorated home for hosting family and friends during the holiday season.
Most of all, Marty was an educator to her core. She loved sharing her thirst for knowledge with others and encouraging them to achieve their dreams. She relished connecting with students later in life, receiving notes until the very end from students who still remembered her Senior English course. In retirement, she continued this passion by volunteering with local tutoring programs and leading women's Bible studies at St. Andrews. She also served as a Stephen Minister and Instructor for many years. She was a trusted advisor and friend to many.
Marty was preceded in death by parents Vernon and Frances Mullen and sister Ann Patterson. She is survived by her husband of 43 wonderful years Jim Corder, daughter Paige, granddaughter Maggie, and many cherished extended family members. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to those who compassionately cared for Marty later in life including Dr. Adrienne Kesinger and the nurses and aides from Bristol Hospice.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 21st at 11:00am at St. Andrew's Community Church (2727 SW 119th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73170). The family asks that everyone wear colorful clothes to properly honor Marty at the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the Marty Mullen Corder Psi Chapter Scholarship established through Gamma Phi Beta: donate.gammaphibeta.org/Corder To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of MARTY, please visit our floral store.