On Friday, April 3, Marilyn E. Whitson entered her next stage in life. She was born August 13, 1945 in Sioux City, IA - the only daughter of Henry and Ruby Beacom. She is survived by three of her seven brothers; Henry Beacon, Sr. of Lakeland, FL, Mark Beacom and Robert Beacom of Sioux City, IA. Additionally, she has substantial family roots still living in and around the Sioux City area. She graduated from St Catherine's School of Nursing in Omaha, NE. While in school, she met her future husband Charles D Whitson who was stationed at Offutt AFB in Omaha at the time. They were married on June 3 1967 in Sioux City, IA and later moved to Tulsa, OK where they started their family. They were soon blessed with two wonderful children, Valerie Whitson Stovall of Pittsburgh, PA and Charles Whitson, II of Tulsa, OK. Later on, the family grew with two additional children through marriages; Stephen Stovall and Quanah Shade-Whitson. In recent years, she was blessed moreover with her two grandchildren, Catelyn Grace Stovall (9) and Eli Brannon Whitson (3).

Marilyn began her nearly 40 year career at St. Francis Hospital in the late 60's where she nurtured her life-long love of helping others. She has always been steadfast and active in her faith and was able to fulfill her dream of combining the two passions when she and Mary Harris established the Parish Nursing program for the state of Oklahoma in the late 1990's. During this time she also returned to school, earning her BSN in nursing from the University of Tulsa in 1993. After official retirement from the hospital, she continued her work; dividing her time between the state Parish Nursing program and time spent at Saint Francis filling in when she could help. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and hostessing gatherings at her home in Jenks.

She was unwavering in her compassion for others and would never say no to someone in need. The only thing more important to her other than her family, her friends and her faith, was her deep devotion to the service of others. Marilyn loved all, complained rarely, and never put herself first. She enjoyed life and all it had to offer and never wasted an opportunity to share. She was loved by everyone who met her and will be deeply missed by anyone who knew her.

Visitation 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. Rosary 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel and Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Church of St. Mary.

Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.