Marie Owen Johnson, a vibrant soul whose life was marked by her unwavering dedication to family, community and adventure, passed away peacefully at her home in Lexington, Oklahoma, at the age of 97. Born in Alabama, Marie, or as she was known by her family, “Mema”, was the eldest of her siblings and graduated from Central High School in Mathiston, MS.
Marie began her professional career as a telephone operator with Southern Bell Telephone Company at 18 years old, but her path took many turns as she navigated the complexities of life. Marie was a dedicated mother whose life was shaped by her four marriages and the family she raised. She first married Charles Leon Motes, with whom she had three sons: Kenneth, Donald, and Jimmy.
Later, she married Philip Percy Hamilton, welcoming two additional sons, David and Paul.
After moving to Dallas, Texas, with her family, she embraced the challenges of motherhood, raising five sons and stepchildren while working for Texas Instruments and the City of Dallas, from which she retired. She later became a real-estate broker, working for Musgrave Realty in Purcell, Oklahoma.
In 1976, Marie found love again and married Bill Johnson, which led her to Oklahoma. Bill’s job with Huffco Oil Company took them across the world to live in Indonesia. From there, she took several tours around the world visiting many places, including Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. In her twighlight years, she married Virgil Isaiah Turner who shared her love of family and nature.
A lifelong learner, Marie attended the University of Oklahoma, where she pursued a business degree.
Marie’s commitment to her community was evident through her active involvement in the United Methodist Church, the Order of Eastern Star, the Rosicrucian Order and the American Legion Auxiliary. She held several leadership roles within these organizations and served as an ombudsman with the state aging agency.
Marie had a deep love for poetry and was a cherished member of the Poetry Society of Oklahoma for several decades. As an accomplished writer, her heartfelt poems were featured in various publications and magazines.
Marie was a loving and devoted family member to her siblings, nephews, nieces, and cousins, always keeping up with them and praying for their well-being. As a mother and grandmother, she found joy in her three surviving sons, Donald Leon Motes, David Carl Hamilton and Paul Owen Hamilton, and absolutely reveled in her 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Vera Viola Owen; her father, Charles Virgil Owen; her brothers, Calvin Billy Owen, and Herbert “Buddy” Ryan Owen; her sister, Hazel Joyce Owen; half-sister, Faye Clemons and her sons, Jimmy Ray Motes and Kenneth Wayne Motes.
She is also survived in death by her sister, Virgia Lenora Owen; half-sister, Debrah Owen Glass; brother, Charles Clifton Owen and half-brothers, Timothy John Owen and Jack Daniel Owen.
Marie Owen Johnson leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure. Her quick smile and good humor touched the lives of many, and her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
A celebration of Marie’s life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Lexington at 11 a.m. Friday, September 27, 2024 where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.