Mary Joyce Buckner

Mary Joyce Bixler Buckner, 82, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025. Born on March 8, 1943, in Hydro, Oklahoma, Mary’s life was one of purpose, generosity, and steadfast devotion to her loved ones, her faith, and her community.

A graduate of The University of Oklahoma School of Pharmacy, Mary was deeply passionate about her profession. She was a dedicated advocate for pharmacy in Oklahoma, serving as the chairperson for the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association and working tirelessly on legislation that supported both pharmacists and the people they served. She was also very active on the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Committee. After 50 years as a pharmacist, Mary was recognized and pinned at a ceremony on August 22, 2017.

Mary was a faithful member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, where she found joy and fellowship among her church family. She found purpose within the Congregational Care Team, supporting members in need. Her church family remained a constant source of strength and joy. But it was Mary’s deep faith that sustained her through life’s joys and challenges.

Mary was fiercely loyal, never hesitating to champion her friends or call them to account. Her generosity was legendary. She had hundreds of OU footballs and other memorabilia signed for others but never kept a piece for herself. She would say, “I won’t ask for something for myself. But if I’m asking for a child, I’ll never take no for an answer.” Mary also loved gifting jars of honey – a kind of calling card that was a precious tradition passed to her from her father. The honey was a treasured reminder of time spent tending bees with her dad who affectionately called her his ‘Honey Girl’. Mary met and married her soul mate, Phil Buckner in 1967, while at The University of Oklahoma. She remained a devoted wife, cherishing Phil’s memory long after his passing. Though Mary and Phil never had children of their own, Mary was an honorary grandparent, aunt and mother to dozens of children who are now parents and grandparents themselves.

Mary was a fierce friend, ardent Sooner fan, and giver to her core. She gave credit freely, spoke with honesty, and lifted others up. A service to celebrate Mary’s remarkable life will be held Monday, September 22, 2025, at 1 p.m., at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th, Oklahoma City, 73103. All are welcome to honor her remarkable legacy.

To watch the service online, click here.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Special Olympics or St. Luke's Methodist Church specifically for Congregational Care.