Mary E. Magee

Dr. Mary Eugenia Magee, passed away peacefully in her home in Tulsa after a hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer on August 24, 2024. She was eighty-three years young and surrounded by her family who loved her dearly. She is survived by her children Elizabeth (Geoff) Goolsbay (Tulsa), Shea Magee (OKC), Kellie (Brian) Banta (Olathe, KS), and grandchildren Ryan (Andy Dunne) Reynolds (Denver), Trey (Miranda) Goolsbay (Tulsa), Jessie (Sam) Carr (Tulsa), Makenzie Brown (Kansas City), and Kit Walters (Chicago). Mary was born December 11, 1940, to Robert Dale and Wilma Ruth (Roberts) Ross in Fordyce, Arkansas. She later had two younger siblings, Ruthie and Robert, Jr., to round out the family of five. Growing up in Fordyce, Mary was a cheerleader for the town's football teams, the Chiggers in elementary school, the Baby Bugs in middle school, and finally the Redbugs in high school. When she wasn't in school or at a game, she was working at her parents' drugstore as a soda jerk and counter clerk. She was, by all accounts, the quintessential small-town girl from the 1950's, captured poignantly in the novel she wrote later in her life, Jerking Sodas and Keeping Secrets. Her early career was as an elementary school teacher, migrating from Fordyce first to Sheridan, Arkansas, then Little Rock, and ultimately to Tulsa, where she taught at Pershing and Mayo. In the summer of 1971, Mary returned to school herself, attending OSU to start the ten-year journey to complete her Masters and Doctorate in Educational Psychology. She advanced in her career at Tulsa Public Schools, transferring to a psychometrist role shortly after acquiring her Masters' and, ultimately, retiring as the head of the Psychological Services department. After retiring, she worked part-time as an educational psychology consultant at Metro Christian Academy and in her own private practice. Later in life, she developed her love of writing to author several books including a children's book, The Dog Who Adopted a Postman, and two biographies, RED Beyond Football: The Legacy of Coach Jimmy "Red" Parker and A Devotion to Duty: Memoirs of General Jimmy D. Ross. Mary's life truly began when friends Robbie and Michael Burkitt introduced her to a mutual friend, James Magee, in May 1987. Having spent much of her adult life single, Mary was skeptical about the idea of remarrying. But, it didn't take too many dates with Jim before she was saying "yes" to the love of her life and beginning a wonderful, love- and adventure-filled thirty-four year marriage. Together, they traveled all over the Pacific Rim, Europe, Hawaii, Australia, and Alaska golfing, skiing, hiking, collecting art and golf memorabilia, and making friends everywhere they went. They had beautiful homes in Tulsa and, for a time in Crested Butte, Colorado. They enjoyed hosting dinner parties and large community events throughout the years, hosting friends from around the globe. Mary's light, kindness, compassion, and love of life were witnessed by everyone she came in contact with. She was a true friend to many, always with a ready smile, kind word and warm hug. She was the heart of her family's many holiday gatherings and weekend dinners, known to keep the conversation energized and engaging. While she loved being in the middle of the activity of an event, it was equally likely to find her on the floor in a quiet corner reading a book with her great-granddaughter. Her legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will live on through each of us as we work to make good on our promise to make her proud. James and Mary were members of Harvard Avenue Christian Church (HACC) where they were members of the Challengers Sunday School class. Mary's memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 3:00pm at Harvard Avenue Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HACC Endowment Fund (5502 Harvard Ave, Tulsa, 74135). Memories can be shared at www.moorefuneral.com. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233.

Mary E. Magee

December 11, 1940 - August 24, 2024