Marilyn Ann Lawrence

The world lost a beautiful soul on Friday, September 9, 2022 when Marilyn Ann Lunsford Lawrence, age 57, passed away at Clarehouse in Tulsa, OK. She was surrounded by her "peeps" (her fiancé and her two best friends) until the end. Marilyn bravely fought an unexpected June cancer diagnosis which took no mercy and moved rapidly; however, Marilyn was the strong one during the short, crazy journey, laughing and joking until the end.

Marilyn was born July 5, 1965 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Darrell and Ann Lunsford. Although she had an unconventional and difficult childhood, she never let that deter her from making an impact on the world. After graduating from Central High School in 1983, Marilyn obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Oklahoma State University with a major in management and a minor in economics. Marilyn went on to obtain a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel from OSU and then ultimately met the requirements through the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Marilyn was very dedicated to her profession and she loved working with people and very much connected with her patients. In addition to connecting to her patients, Marilyn seemed to always connect with their families and staff / coworkers. She worked at Youth Services of Tulsa as a therapist and in the misdemeanor alternative program and helped a lot of adolescents and their families. Marilyn also spent some time in the public school system before taking a work hiatus to raise her only child... her beloved daughter Kennedy Chaffin Lawrence whom she loved dearly. She was also an excellent stepmother and aunt for many years.

Marilyn was known and loved for her sense of humor. She could always make you laugh. Oftentimes, when she first met people, she would say "get to know me; you'll love me". And that could not be more true. If you knew her you loved her. Her ability to joke with people and make those around her laugh was legendary. She also had an incredible work ethic. She set the tone to work hard yet also kept the work day fun for everyone. She made those who worked with her better.

In 2019, Marilyn obtained her dream job with Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital where she worked as an adult outpatient therapist. She worked especially hard during the pandemic, taking on extra patients and long hours, helping so many people. Her clients loved her and she received numerous accolades during her too short career there. When the pain from the cancer became unbearable she took a medical leave, determined to get healthy and return to her beloved clients but it just wasn't meant to be. Even though she was facing death and incredible pain, she treated everyone who came to her room, be it the hospital or the hospice house, with grace and dignity and even bought the nurse a donut or two (when she would sweetly talk one of her peeps into fetching some!). She will be a fun and vivacious light in Heaven. To quote Marilyn from a handout she often gave her clients..,I HOPE YOU KNOW YOU'RE CAPABLE AND BRAVE AND SIGNIFICANT EVEN WHEN IT FEELS LIKE YOU'RE NOT

Marilyn will be severely missed by those she left behind, especially her one true love / fiancé, Lyndon Williams of Tulsa and her two life long best friends, Bernadine Dempsey of Idabel and Lori Schultz of Tulsa as well as her many long term friends who loved her dearly.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Terry Lunsford. She is survived by her daughter; her two step sons Matt and Chase Lawrence of Tulsa; her brother Dale Lunsford and wife Marsha of Texas; her nieces Rachel DeMoss of Tulsa and Hannah Lunsford of Texas; her sister-in-laws to be Donna White of Woodward and Vicki Williams of Tulsa; her Aunt Betty Lunsford of Tahlequah; and two great nieces. Her family wishes to convey they loved her very much.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Clarehouse of Tulsa. Donations can be sent to: Clarehouse Hospice House, 7617 S Mingo Rd, Tulsa, OK 74133.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Schaudt's Tulsa Funeral Service Chapel, 5757 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma, with Jonathan Hanshaw officiating.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Tulsa Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family online, www.schaudtfuneralservice.com