Marilyn Lee Whitley

February 21, 1947 - March 13, 2022

Marilyn Lee Whitley passed from this life on March 13th,2022. Marilyn "Rusty" was born in Corning, NY on February 21st, 1947 to James and Thelma Tawney whom she deeply cherished. She attended Corning schools and graduated from Corning East High School in 1964. She married Gerald V. Murphy, Jr in 1968. To this union, her daughter Tawnee Lee was born. Although this union was short lived, she always said she was grateful for her daughter. On May 12th, 1983 She married the love of her life, her Sam, Sam K. Whitley, her "Okie from Muskogee." She uprooted herself and her daughter from Corning, New York to make a new life in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She and Sam shared almost 39 years together. Marilyn proudly worked for Corning Glass Works for most of her life, starting in the gift shop and worked her way up to customer service, where she met the love of her life, Sam. In Muskogee, she enjoyed working as a French substitute teacher. In 1998 she found her true calling as a "Gram" to Lillian Grace, to whom she called "her treasure." She would hold her for hours on end while her daughter was in nursing school, making it almost impossible for others to measure up. Her bond with her family was immeasurable. She and her daughter Tawnee were always close. They enjoyed shopping, crafts, concerts, and lengthy phone conversations. They were both blessed to have each other. Even as her dementia advanced, they were still able to reminisce about the fun times they shared and how much they loved one another. For this, her daughter is eternally grateful. Marilyn and Sam enjoyed traveling; whether it was to Ham radio conferences, Wichita to visit his family, or New York to visit hers. They always found great places to eat and loved their life together. Even when her health declined, he made sure to take her strawberry shakes and sweets. She always knew "Her Sam." Marilyn was a devout Christian who was an avid church goer her entire life. She and Sam were active members at Eastern Heights Baptist Church, where she had many cherished friends. She especially enjoyed her women's fellowship dinners. She was preceded by her parents, James H. and Thelma Tawney; and her brother, Gerald "Mike" Tawney. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Sam; daughter, Tawnee Harding and husband Scott; step-daughter, Barbara Lynch; granddaughter, Lillian Grace Rogers and husband Trey, granddaughter, Robin Brunner and husband Jim, granddaughter, Ashleigh Kaiser and husband Matt; along with multiple great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 16th from 9:00am - 8:00pm at Cornerstone Funeral Home in Muskogee, OK. The celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, March 17th at 10:00 am at Eastern Heights Baptist Church, in Muskogee, OK. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Muskogee. Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home 1830 N York St Muskogee, OK 74403. Condolences can be made to the family at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com.