Marian Shirley

Marian (Fast) Shirley, 83, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Northeastern Health System after a brief illness and a long, happy life. Born October 7, 1940, in Lamar, Missouri, she was the only child of Howard "Lefty" and Phyllis (McCall) Fast. Marian cherished growing up in Lamar's tight-knit community, often sharing fond memories of the simple fun and mischief on which she built her life. She returned to Lamar each year to attend the fair and visit dear friends well into her 70s.

Marian graduated from Lamar High School in 1958, and that August, married John Thomas Shirley of Lamar. Their marriage began with an adventure, famously pulling the judge from the golf course to perform their elopement. In February 1959, Marian joined John in Germany, where he was stationed for basic training with the US Army. After returning to the United States, they welcomed daughters: Christine, Sara, and Elizabeth. The family later settled in Pryor, Oklahoma, where they spent most of the girls' childhood and made many lifelong friends.

In 1980, Marian and her family moved to Krum, Texas. She worked at Texas Woman's University before returning to school herself to pursue a nursing degree. She graduated from North Central Texas College and began her career as a Registered Nurse. She worked for Krum ISD, Flow Memorial Hospital, and provided home health care across North Texas until her retirement. Even in retirement, Marian used her training to become the family's in-house medical expert and unofficial second opinion for all ailments. She loved to fill her days baking, sewing, decorating for holidays, spending time with her growing family, and working in her garden.

In 2012, Marian and John moved to Tahlequah to enjoy family and a slower pace of life. She and John continued to host family holidays, raise a garden, and root for the Texas Rangers. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage until John's passing in 2023.

Marian was preceded in death by John, her parents, her in-laws John and Louise Shirley, several beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, a nephew, and no less than 100 rescued animals from over the years. Those left to cherish her legacy are daughters Christine Jackson, Sara Jones, and Elizabeth Shirley; her grandchildren Emily (Jarrod) Kinnaird, Greg (Jessica) Jackson, Preston (Crysta) Jones, Katie Jackson, and Taylor Jones; and her five great-grandchildren Jet Jackson, Josiah Jackson, Chloe Kinnaird, Barrett Jones, and James Kinnaird (due any minute). Marian also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and their families whom she loved so much. Family was Marian's greatest treasure, and she will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to call her Mom, Mern, Aunt Marian, and Nana.

A longtime member of the First Christian Church in Tahlequah, Marian's memorial service will be held there on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Humane Society of Cherokee County or to the First Christian Church in her honor.