Marilyn Fay Hardway was born on November 28, 1931 to Mildred R. and David F. Jewell in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She grew up in Tulsa with her two older brothers, David (Bud) Jewell and his wife Helen, and Cliff Jewell and his wife Mary. She attended Tulsa schools and graduated in 1949 from Will Rogers High School. After graduation she attended Oklahoma State University for a short time.
In December of 1951, Marilyn married the love of her life, Earl Harlan Hardway. They lived in San Diego for several years while Earl was in the Navy. A few years later, they returned to Tulsa where they raised their family and happily spent the rest of their lives. Marilyn had three children: Shirley Fay (Hardway) Davis, Donald (Don) Earl Hardway, and James (Jim) Bryan Hardway. Marilyn stayed at home when her children were young. She enjoyed taking care of her family, volunteering with their activities, and cooking wonderful meals.
When her children were older, Marilyn went back to work. She worked for Raymond F. Kravis as his personal secretary for thirty years. She enjoyed her time working with him. She was able to meet a lot of interesting people through her job with Mr. Kravis.
After Marilyn retired, she was able to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. She loved being a grandma! She enjoyed playing with her grandkids, babysitting, watching programs and sports they were involved in, and making special memories with them. Marilyn also enjoyed reading and taking care of all the beautiful flowers in her yard. Marilyn and Earl enjoyed traveling after their retirement. They enjoyed going to Florida. They also took many special cruises.
Marilyn was very active in her church, First United Methodist Church in Tulsa. She was in the Chancel Choir for many years. She went to London to sing with the choir and enjoyed being able to travel with the other singers. She also volunteered in various children's choirs.
Marilyn passed away on January 20, 2019 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Hardway. She is survived by her children Shirley Fay (Hardway) Davis and her husband James, Donald (Don) Earl Hardway and his wife Mari, and James (Jim) Bryan Hardway and his wife Christina. She is also survived by her grandchildren James Eric Davis and his wife Jessika, Kevin Mitchell Davis and his wife Hayley, Lorrie Elizabeth Davis, Donald Scott Hardway, David Earl Hardway, Mackenzie Nicole Hardway, Marilyn Ashleigh Hardway, and Emily Danielle Hardway. She is also survived by two nieces, two nephews, eleven great grandchildren, and six step grandchildren.
Marilyn's funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E 51st, Tulsa, OK. Public viewing will be one hour prior to service time at Moore's Southlawn. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com