Marie Herrin, a founding member of the 29th and South Yale Church of Christ in Tulsa died March 7, she was 93.
She was born March 17 in Sugar Grove, Ark, to Howard and Jesse Parish. Her mother died giving birth: The doctor warned that Marie and her identical twin, Maggie would not live. But they survived and thrived, the center of attention wherever they went. They moved to Gravelly, Ark, where both were Homecoming Queens at Fourche Valley High School. Many people couldn't tell them apart: They once fooled a would-be suitor by sending Maggie on Marie's date.
After marrying B.K. Herrin, the couple moved to Wichita and then Tulsa, where B.K. worked at McDonnell Doulas. Marie became a cornerstone of 29th and Yale, teaching Sunday school, working in the nursery, attending Ladies Bible Class and more. She was an always eager volunteer, leading Blue Bird groups, working at RSVP or making baby blankets for the homeless shelter.
She was gifted seamstress, making beautifully-tailored clothes for herself and her family. She worked in alternations at several Tulsa shops. She was a member of the Tulsa Sewing Guild. And she loved beautiful material. "She who dies with the most fabric wins" was the motto on her refrigerator magnet.
There was always a sewing project or a craft in progress at her house. She loved art, reading and music. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was the song she was often humming.
The family cabin at Lake Fort Gibson was a favorite retreat. She would fish from the dock, and then cook a wonderful meal of fried fish, okra, corn, tomatoes and a cobbler made from blackberries she picked that day.
She took great joy in her family. She spoke with her sister every day. She loved travelling with her children, Steve and Angelia, from Maine to Florida, to California to New York. She was a loving and always worrying Mom. "I don't think you are getting enough rest" and "I don't like that cough" were favorite comments. She passed on health tips regularly from the Tulsa World and the Internet.
Her husband, B.K., died in 2016. She is survived by her sister, Maggie Sullivan: her children Angelia Herrin and husband George Farrell; Steve Herrin and wife Cathy; three grandchildren: Alistair Farrell, Sam Herrin and Catie Herrin. She had three grandchildren: Madeline Farrell, Thomas Farrell and Carter Herrin.
Services will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Midtown Church of Christ, with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at
www.moorefuneral.com
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