Mary Sue Staley, 84, was born March 11, 1939, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to Jewel and Mary Barbara Pierce. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, July 17, 2023, in Lindsay, Oklahoma.
Mary Sue was one of five children. Her independent nature was developed at an early age, yet she never forgot the importance of family and being there when she was needed.
Mary Sue attended school in Pauls Valley where she and her family lived for many years. After high school, she began attending college at Southern Nazarene University, completing her first two years. At the age of 21 while working in Pauls Valley, she met Johnny Staley who would become her husband three months later. Mary Sue and Johnny were married on May 6, 1960, and temporarily lived in Maysville before establishing a home in Euless, Texas. They welcomed their first daughter, Sherrie, in Euless, followed by Ginger a little over five years later.
A few years later, Mary Sue and her family moved back to Oklahoma into a barn that Johnny built for them while carefully crafting their home which became the perfect place for raising their girls and spending time as a family in Lindsay. By the 1980s, Mary Sue opened a home daycare business which would eventually be transformed into Majestic Oaks Child Care and Pre-School, making a strong, positive impression on the lives of so many young Lindsay children. As strong-willed and ambitious as she was, she decided to continue her higher education pursuits at USAO, securing an Early Education degree and advanced to teaching Pre-Kindergarten in Lindsay Public Schools. She was 50 years old. After she retired as a permanent teacher, she was a trusted substitute whenever she was needed. She also became a local caregiver for the elderly in need.
In her spare time, Mary Sue enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, and attending church. Her faith in Jesus was contagious and accompanied her into each room that she entered.
In her later years, she often recalled memories with her grandchildren, Jake and Sarah, as the highlight of her life. She took the role of “Memaw” very seriously.
Mary Sue was proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Johnny; daughter, Sherrie; and siblings, R.B, Louise, and Billy.
Mary Sue is survived by her daughter, Ginger Bowen; grandson, Jake, his wife, Macy, and three great-grandchildren; and granddaughter, Sarah Bowen, all of Lindsay; sister, Judy James of Seminole, Oklahoma; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Mary Sue was beloved beyond measure by the community, leaving her legacy to be carried forth by those that she has impacted. She believed that through faith, anything was possible: she held this belief throughout her entire life no matter the circumstance, no matter the tribulations. She has been a blessing to her family in every way and will continue to be forever.
Funeral services were held July 20, 2023, at the Lindsay First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Stan Ledford officiating. Graveside burial was held following the service at the Maysville Cemetery under the direction of John and Theresa Williams of Winans Funeral Home, Maysville, Oklahoma. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www. winansfuneralhome.com.
