TULSA, Okla. — Marjane Lou (Lawlis) Wamsley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, formerly a longtime resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and wife to Lewis Clayton Wamsley, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025. She was 89. Marjane was a loving, gracious, friendly and kind woman who served God and her family well.
Marjane was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on Nov. 5, 1935, to Sybil Normeasa (Crockett) and Elmer Clarence Lawlis. She moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma, and then Baxter Springs, where she graduated from Baxter Springs High School in 1953. While attending Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, she met her future husband. Lew won her heart and they were married on Aug. 15, 1954. They celebrated a remarkable milestone of over 70 years of marriage. Together, Marjane and Lew raised four children to whom they devoted their hearts and energy.
A multi-talented woman, Marjane’s gifts were used to serve her family and community. She was the bookkeeper at Thomas Jewelry Store, made window treatments for Sharon Ambler Draperies and later proudly served as the administrative director of the Allied Arts and Humanities Council of Bartlesville. Her strong leadership skills landed her various roles, including resident in the organizations for which she volunteered. Marjane enjoyed her time with the Service League of Bartlesville, PEO Chapter DW (a 50-plus year member), the League of Women Voters and the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as a counselor at Girls State. Ever eager to help, she volunteered in the schools, served as a scout leader, organized neighborhood parties, supported the Blazer Girls softball program and created magic at the family Christmas tree farm, all while juggling the activities of her busy family. A 54-year member of the First Presbyterian Church, her strong faith kept her rooted as she served on various committees and lent her musical talents to the Chancel and Hand Bell choirs. Marjane’s beautiful singing voice and the joy she had of performing spurred her into being instrumental in the formation and the continued success of the Bartlesville Ad Lib Singers. But Marjane’s greatest passion was loving her husband, children, grandchildren and friends. Marjane proudly worked to create a nurturing environment by maintaining a warm and inviting home. She regularly hosted Sunday family dinners, cooked wonderful meals, baked beautiful birthday cakes and tasty cookies. She loved to have friends over to play bridge or just have lunch. She was at her very best when she was surrounded by her family. And anyone who knows Marjane knows that she loved her dogs, and her dogs loved her! Her quiet faith, her sweet and gracious demeanor and her love for others will keep Marjane’s memories in people’s heart forever.
Marjane is survived by her children, Rodney Wamsley of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Krista Peters (Mike) of Tulsa, Kindra Ota (Kevin) of Katy, Texas; grandchildren, Sarah Banfield of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Jeff Wamsley (Alejandra) of Houston, Texas, Kurtis Peters (Kristen) of Flower Mound, Texas, Karson Ota of New York, New York, Kieryn Ota of Costa Mesa, California, and Kaleb Peters of Tulsa; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Drenna Bjork of Springfield, Oregon.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Clayton Wamsley; her parents, Sybil Normeasa (Crockett) Lawlis and Elmer Clarence Lawlis; a son, Rick Kendal Wamsley; a daughter-in-law, Suzanna Lynn (Dixon) Wamsley; a sister, Normeasa Sue (Lawlis) Forbes; and half brother, Elmer Clarence Lawlis Jr.
Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. May 8 at Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on May 9 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Bartlesville, followed by a celebration of life service at First Presbyterian Church at 11.
The family suggests donations to First Presbyterian Church of Bartlesville.
