Marilyn Joan Overton's Obituary
Marilyn Overton Obituary
Marilyn Joan Overton, born on September 9, 1939, near Kalamazoo, Michigan, peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Bixby, Oklahoma. Marilyn was the beloved daughter of Michael and Violet Drazic Izea.
Growing up in the Catholic Polish community of Kalamazoo, Marilyn graduated from Hamtramck High School, Class of 1957. Her early years were marked by a passion for dance, where she excelled as a majorette in twirling, and her prowess extended to both dancing and swimming. An adventurous spirit, Marilyn and her girlfriend embarked on a memorable road trip from Michigan to California in a convertible at the age of 21 after graduating from Western Michigan University.
Marilyn's life took a serendipitous turn when she met Sheldon Overton through one of his employees at his heat and air business. Their journey together began with a blind date on New Year's Day, leading to a beautiful marriage on June 22, 1963, in Orange County, California.
While in California, Marilyn shared her passion for dance by teaching at Cal State Fullerton. The couple raised their children there until 1975. Real Estate investing brought them to the Tulsa area, where their children, Michele and Kelley, completed high school. She actively supported her husband's real estate and contracting ventures while enjoying playing tennis at Southwood and Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa. Later, Marilyn took on the roles of a biology teacher and swimming coach at Bixby High School.
Retirement found Marilyn and her husband spending time in the scenic Scottsdale area of Arizona.
Part of the "Magnificent 7" group, Marilyn and her friends, all originally residents of the Forrest Oaks neighborhood in Tulsa, created many cherished memories together. They shared laughter and adventures, forging enduring bonds that lasted through the years.
Beyond her many talents and accomplishments, Marilyn was an avid knitter who passed on her skills to her daughter, Kelley. She also had a flair for sewing, creating outfits for her daughters through countless trips to TG & Y to select patterns from catalogs.
Marilyn and Sheldon were longtime parishioners of the St. Bernard's Catholic Church.
Surviving family include her loving husband of 60 years, Sheldon Overton; her children Michele Brown and her husband, Bryan, as well as Kelley Robinson and her husband, Mitch; grandchildren Rachel Brown, Sarah Brown, Rachel Robinson, and Seth Robinson; as well as her faithful dog, Foxy. She is also survived by her brothers Gerald Kreza, and Owen Kreza, and his wife, Donna.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; and her mother-in-law, Marjorie Shillitoe.
A Celebration of Marilyn's life will be held in the Spring, with service arrangements currently being planned. Marilyn's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her warmth, kindness, and zest for life.
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