Stella Marie Walker, affectionately known as Marie, resident of Broken Arrow, OK, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, December 1, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK at the age of 86 years. She was born on March 28, 1939, in Claremore, OK to Clyde Henry and Stella (Potter) Dean. Marie's journey through life was marked by her unwavering strength, grace, and the deep love she had for her family.
Marie is survived by her loving daughters, Annette Childress and her husband Craig of Coweta, OK, and Sonia Buchman and her husband Randy of Broken Arrow, OK. She was a cherished grandmother to Melanie Yocham and her husband Dusty of Haskell, OK, Kevin Childress and his wife Mariah of Coweta, OK, Keli Naylor and her husband Brandon of Wagoner, OK, Melissa Buchman-Hamilton and husband Curtis of Broken Arrow, OK, and Grant Buchman of Tulsa, OK. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Drake Naylor, Kameron Childress, Avery Naylor, Colston Yocham, Collin Yocham, and Declan Childress, as well as numerous other relatives who will miss her dearly.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde Henry and Stella (Potter) Dean.
A proud graduate of Coweta High School, Marie's professional life was dedicated to serving others through her work at Coweta Manor Nursing Home in Administration. Her colleagues remember her as a pillar of professionalism and compassion, a testament to her character and commitment to her community.
Marie's life was a tapestry of love and beauty, woven through her interests and the time she spent with her family. Her elegance and poise were not just inherent traits but were honed through a life that saw its share of challenges. Marie's resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her, teaching us that grace is not just about how one carries oneself, but also about facing life's adversities with courage.
Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and beauty, where she expressed her love through the meticulous setting of her table, transforming simple meals into memorable gatherings. Marie's hands, always so careful and precise, were not just teaching her grandchildren the art of a well-set table but the importance of creating beauty in everyday life.
Marie's spirit was as deep as it was gentle. She found solace and wonder in the night sky, drawing strength from the ever-changing yet constant presence of the moon. Her spiritual connection to the celestial body reminded us that, like the moon, life is a series of phases, each holding its own light and beauty.
As we say goodbye to Marie, we are comforted by the knowledge that her essence remains with us. Her voice, her elegance, and her indomitable spirit live on in the hearts of those she touched. The moon, with its serene and peaceful glow, will forever remind us of the light Marie brought into our lives.
In accordance with Marie's wishes, there will be no services. She will be laid to rest at Vernon Cemetery in Coweta, OK.
Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Marie online at www.brownfamilycares.com. Her care and services have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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