Marjorie Jo Barton

Marjorie Jo Barton 1928 - 2016 Journalist, author, and educator Marjorie Jo Barton leaves a legacy of love and faith to all those she has touched in her life and work. A native of Muskogee, she spent her early years in Okmulgee and Oklahoma City. Graduating from Northeastern High, she went on to college, eventually to earn a Master’s Degree in Mass Communications from Texas Woman’s University. She worked as a free-lance journalist, taught high school English, theater, speech, and special education, and authored four published books. Her Leaning on a Legacy captured her love for the works of the WPA and was named Oklahoma Heritage Association Book of the Year in 2008. She was named Oklahoma Heritage Woman of the year for her work. A tireless volunteer, Marge gave countless hours to the Civitan Club. She served as president, wrote a newsletter, and organized events. She was most proud of the club’s successful efforts to fund and build the playground at Civitan Park. She experienced a special joy in her work with the special needs community of Muskogee. She cherished travelling and camping, always returning with new friendships and additions to her rock collection. She loved people and their stories, and has left us with a completed manuscript about the Amish in Oklahoma. Daughter of Ronald Frederick Barton and Winnifred Ash La Pelle, sister of Ronald F. “Jack” Barton, Jr., and mother of Cynthia Lea Barton, Mark David Garrison, Rhett Goode Simmons, Jr., Dana Jo Simmons, and Krystal Melody Hatfield, she has eight grandchildren, Erik Peter Garrison, Astrid Linnea Garrison, Nels Stephen Garrison, Sarah Elizabeth Simmons, Lauren Marie Simmons, Heather Leann Simmons, Ashley Jean Woodman, Chelby Gabrielle Vogt, and two great-grandchildren, Kylee Jean and Greyson Carter. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dana Jo Simmons; first husband, William Floyd Garrison; and second husband, Rhett Goode Simmons Sr. Memorial services honoring Marjorie Jo will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Billy Parker officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Muskogee Civitan and Joy Class of Muskogee First Baptist Church.

Marjorie Jo Barton

October 19, 1928 - May 10, 2016