Marilee Chambers

Marilee Chambers

Obituary

Marilee Moore Chambers passed away on August 6, 2009, at age 80 after a long and valiant battle with Myelodysplastic syndrome leukemia. Marilee was born May 9, 1929, in Dallas, Texas to Alva "Gigi" Isabelle Johnson Moore and Dudley Worth Moore. She was educated and raised in Tulsa, graduating from Tulsa Central High School in 1947. She graduated from Tulsa University in 1951 with a degree in journalism. She would remain a lifelong fan in the truest sense of the word of her beloved alma mater, attending and supporting a wide variety of Tulsa University athletic events (whoosh). Shortly after graduation she married fellow classmate Syrus E Chambers forging a union that would last 54 years until Sy's death four years ago. Her love of journalism led to a successful and productive career at the Tulsa World as well as local television stations and advertising agencies. In 1968 she returned to Tulsa University and attained a master's degree in English and Journalism to pursue her lifelong dream of teaching. She taught English and Journalism as well as coordinating the newspaper and yearbook projects at the middle and high school levels until her retirement in 1992 from the staff of Nathan Hale High School. She dearly loved her students and with her genuine attitude of respect and concern for all they offered her, she was dearly loved in return. Marilee was a lifelong member of Centenary United Methodist Church where she was active in the United Methodist Women's group. She was a permanent fixture in the choir, organized countless fund raisers, taught Sunday School, and served repeatedly as the Vacation Bible School director becoming, with time, a vital and essential part of the very foundation of her beloved Centenary United Methodist Church. She participated in many national and international Volunteer in Mission trips throughout Oklahoma, Mexico and Israel. She was particularly passionate about the United Methodist Conference Wilderness Camp where she served as an "Adult Camper" for 30 years. All of her five grandchildren have attended the camp lovingly referred to by them as the "snake pit". She was an avid, some might say compulsive, volunteer staunchly supporting many organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Oxley Nature Center (Guide), World Neighbors, Campfire Girls (where she served as a group leader for 12 years) and a Life-Loyal membership in Delta Delta Delta sorority among many, many others. Her expansive love of service to her community was surpassed only by the depth of her love for, and commitment to, her family. They benefited relentlessly from her warm, gentle spirit and her enthusiastic support ranging from endless hours of playing catch, active educational support, spiritual guidance by example, tireless help with any and all projects her children or grandchildren could think up, to an uncanny knack for knowing if things were wrong before her children or grandchildren ever did. Through all these many years of caring support and completely unconditional useful love she quite characteristically and humbly insisted that it was her children that "raised her". Marilee is predeceased by her parents, her brother, Walter E. Moore and her husband, Syrus E. Chambers. She is survived by her daughter, Susan, and husband, Kyle Toal, their three children, John, Coralee and Ben; her son, Jeff, and wife, Pamela, and their two children, Amanda and Rachel. Marilee will lie in state 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Centenary United Methodist Church, 631 N. Denver, Tulsa, Oklahoma with interment at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 631 North Denver, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74106, and Habitat for Humanity, Oxley Nature Center or World Neighbors.  CLick below:

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Tributes & Memories

Lit a candle in memory of Marilee Chambers

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Alan Droll

Lit a candle in memory of Marilee Chambers

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Nel Millen

Mrs. Chambers was my English teacher at Anderson Junior High School in Tulsa. I've had her in my thoughts lately, and I'm so sorry to learn of her passing. I remember she would read The Hobbit to us every morning before our regular classroom tasks. She was a wonderful teacher and I'm honored that I got to be in her class.

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Jimmy Hoose

I have so many wonderful memories of being at the Chamber's house. You always were made to feel welcomed. But some of my favorite times were our Camp Fire Girl meetings. Sy never seemed to mind when a group of loud and laughing Jr. Hi girls would invade his house once a week. We learned so much about life and how to be a better person from Marilee. She will be sorely missed but I rejoice in her homegoing to be with her beloved Sy and her Lord.

Sandie Miller-Stewart

A beautiful women who touched many with her geniune and gentle soul. She will be truly missed.

Gina Carroll

I only met her a couple of times, but she was so sweet and endearing and I felt like part of the family. She was such a beautiful wonderful woman, and I feel blessed to have crossed paths with her. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Hugs! Staci

Staci Norris

Marilee: You were such an inspiration to so many of your former students -- especially to me. You are one of the reasons I am following in your footsteps today -- I only hope that I can be half the teacher and friend you were. You had such an impact on my life. In your quiet way you touched my heart and left an impression there that remains to this day. You had faith in me even when I did not. For that I am eternally grateful. Rest in peace, dear lady. I will carry your memory with me forever. Meg (Clark) Melton Hale Class of 1981

Meg (Clark) Melton

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