Obituary of Marilyn Joy Bartholomew
Marilyn Joy Bartholomew peacefully passed away on June 23, 2024. She was born on January 2, 1935, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to A.E. and Jewel Davis. She was the only girl of four children. Her mother had 13 siblings; so, Marilyn’s early years were spent babysitting many cousins. She was a proud graduate of Tulsa’s Central High School. She showed an early talent for art. Her drawings of dresses and gowns go all the way back to her teen years.
Marilyn went on her final first date to the Celebrity Club with her future husband, Carl. The couple began a courtship that led to marriage in 1969. Carl would often say, “She is an angel put here on Earth!” Their marriage was one that exemplified romance and true love.
The happy couple had one son, Blake. Marilyn was made to be a mother and spent every moment possible with Blake during her early days of motherhood. She was a patient, fun and doting mother. Later, she was joyfully shuttling around and supporting Blake and his friends at various activities/sports and volunteering at their neighborhood school, Eliot Elementary.
Marilyn started volunteering at Eliot in 1976 and never left. She held several positions in the PTA, substituted, was a library assistant and most recently volunteered in the art class. She volunteered so much she was named Tulsa Public Schools Volunteer of the Year. She often told the story of celebrating, “I am the homeroom mother!” She is revered by children of multiple generations. Her kindnesses included making hand-painted bookmarks for those learning to read, making tissue paper flowers for children to give their mothers, and hand sewing dresses for dolls and stuffed animals.
As a grandmother she was pure gold. She constantly spoiled her grandchildren with love, time, and gifts. She read so many books, played so much pretend, took them outside to get messy, made so many art projects, and was a loving supporter of all sports and activities in which they were involved.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl, her parents, and her brothers Don, Dean and Bob Davis.
She leaves her son, Blake, his wife Stefani, two grandchildren Henry and Harper, and two godchildren Darcy and Jake Sheppard.
Marilyn had many quotes she taught her family to live by and we will all be better if we choose to learn from her. Here are a few:
“Busy hands are happy hands.”
“Do at least one kindness every day.”
“Do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
“Age is just a number.”
She was a daily example of spirit, kindness, friendship, and toughness. She lived life with a servant heart and impacted so many because of this. We have all been better with her in our life and she will be sorely missed!
A celebration of life will take place on July 16, 2024, from 3:00pm-5:00pm at Eliot Elementary, 1442 East 36th Street. Children are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Eliot Elementary Foundation (501c3; 1442 E. 36th Street, Tulsa, OK 74105).
Ninde Funeral | Mosaic Cremation | (918) 742-5556