Marie Goolsby, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024, in Denison, Texas, at the age of 64. Born on October 9, 1959, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Marie’s journey began as the cherished daughter of Robert Boyd Johnson and Doris Marie (Wheeler) Johnson.
Marie grew up in Valliant, Oklahoma surrounded by the love of her family. She later earned her bachelor’s degree, which paved the way for a fulfilling career as an IT tech for the City of Durant, where she dedicated 19 years of service.
Marie’s heart found its true companion in her husband, Tony Goolsby of Bokchito, Oklahoma. Marrying on July 8, 1989, they built a life rich in love and shared experiences. She was a loving mother to her children, Richard Williams and his wife Kristen of Haslet, Texas; Amanda Ferrell and her husband David of Coleman, Oklahoma; Jackson Goolsby of Sherman, Texas; and the late Tennille Goolsby. Marie’s legacy continued to blossom with her adored grandchildren, Kaycee, Ashlee, Tayler, Kaleb, Maison, Aiden, Emily, Dakota and his wife Bethany, Dylan and his wife Jilyn, Jaycob, Destin, and Marijane, and her treasured great-grandchildren, Holland, Daniel and Adalyn.
Marie’s siblings, Russell Walker and his wife Suzanne of Boulder, Wyoming; Linda Logan of Piedmont, South Carolina; and Vivian Pruitt of Longview, Washington, will fondly remember their sister. She is also survived by her mother-in-law Sue Goolsby, brother-in-law Rick Goolsby and his wife Fran, sister-in-law Sheila Allen and her husband Darrell, brother-in-law Tim Goolsby, niece Courtney Quarles, and countless other nieces, nephews and cousins, and a large loving church family.
Marie had a passion for flowers and gardening, and it was evident to all who visited her home. Friends and family were Marie’s greatest joy, and she relished the moments spent with them and a steaming hot cup of coffee.
Shopping was an adventure for Marie, often returning with treasures that brought smiles to those she loved. Her sisters’ trips were legendary, filled with singing and the kind of joy that comes from a bond that cannot be broken. Above all, Marie’s love for her Lord Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her existence. Her faith was unwavering, a faith-filled life that inspired all who knew her.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Doris, her daughter Tennille, her father-in-law Buck Goolsby, and her cousin Bonnie Dingess.
The family received visitors at the Family Hour from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. Marie’s funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at the Big Creek Family Worship Center with Reverend Ross Phillips officiating. Marie was laid to rest in Bokchito Cemetery following her service.
Those serving as pallbearers were Richard Williams, David Ferrell, Dylan Robinson, Dakota Robinson, Wesley Pruitt, Kaleb Williams, Rick Goolsby, Ryan Walker, Scott Walker, and Brian Walker. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Erwin, Darrell Allen, and Tim Goolsby.
Services were under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, 121 North 5th Street, Durant, Oklahoma 74701. www. holmescoffeymurray.com
