Marilyn Joan (Gassei) Carver
Obituary
Marilyn Joan (Gassei) Carver was born August 2, 1934, in St. Louis, MO. to Russell William & Georgia Ena (Trader) Gassei and passed from this life on June 26, 2023, at the age of 88.
Marilyn graduated a year early from Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City. She then attended Wheaton College in Chicago Illinois where she studied violin and music performance. Marilyn began attending school at The University of Tulsa where she earned a Bachelor of Music & Music Education. Marilyn’s first teaching job was in Henryetta, Oklahoma. There she met and married Coach Richard Chapman and started a family. In 1963 Marilyn and her family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Once her children began school, she began to teach again. She taught music in the Tulsa Public School system at Nimitz Junior High and Nathan Hale High School in the 1960’s and 1970’s. During this time, in addition to her teaching duties and choir performances, Marilyn performed with the Tulsa Opera regularly. She was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Iota international Music Fraternity. Marilyn furthered her education by earning her Master of Music degree from The University of Oklahoma. In the early 1980’s, Marilyn taught at East Central High School and Owasso High School for short periods. Then Marilyn accepted a position at Oral Roberts University teaching vocal arts and conducting women’s chorus. Marilyn worked tirelessly on improving her teaching technique and by 1994, Marilyn had earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Oklahoma. She was 60 years old when she earned her doctorate. Marilyn retired in 2003 from Oral Roberts University. In retirement Marilyn sang in the Boston Avenue Choir and was an Associate Conductor who would conduct the choir in the absence of the lead conductor. She taught private voice lessons, conducted a local community choir called Vocal Arts Ensemble, and continued to be an active member of SAI.
In addition to her career, Marilyn was a loving Mother and Grandmother. Marilyn enjoyed traveling the world with her husband Newt and various groups. Marilyn’s passion was teaching, and music was her life.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Newton George Carver; her daughter, Joan Hatley; brother, John Russell Gassei; and her stepson, Mike Carver. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David & Missie Chapman; her stepsons, Richard Carver and Steve Carver; her sister, Martha Ruth Dyer; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Marilyn will lie in state from 10:00am to 8:00pm with family receiving friends from 5-7pm Thursday, July 6, at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. Her funeral will be held 10:00am Friday, July 7, in the Ninde Brookside Chapel. She will be laid to rest at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, Broken Arrow, OK.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Marilyn’s name: Tulsa Youth Symphony, Tulsa Youth Opera, or Boston Avenue Church.
Events
Tributes & Memories
It is with a profound sense of loss that we mourn the departure of Mrs. Carver, whose wisdom and passion touched many lives at Nathan Hale. Her teachings went beyond music history and theory; she cultivated an undying love for classical music in us, a legacy perpetuating through generations. Mrs. Carver set high standards, inspiring us to strive for excellence in music and life. We consider ourselves truly fortunate to have been her students. May she rest in eternal peace.
Richard Powell
Dr. Carver was my teacher, mentor, at East Central High School , and I studied with her privately in high school and college. I went on to write songs, record music and literally lived my dreams, with profound thanks to her. I recently recorded a tribute to her a month before she passed on. She lives on in all of us. I loved her so. I haven't sung for a while. It's time now to begin again, to sing with renewed strength, her spirit, I feel, lifting us, dancing around us. Godspeed. Until we meet again....
Laura Ward
I was Marilyn´s student at Nathan Hale in the 1970-72 era. She accomplished a lot with our choir! She contributed in a big way to my foundation in music. I can still distinctly remember her work with us on vowel shapes and diction. Through the years I was aware of her many subsequent accomplishments. Her family must feel proud of her, and I trust they will find peace in the memories. I believe she is now free in heaven making music.
Karen Hampton
With deepest sympathy, we remember Marilyn's exceptional and creative spirit that brought melodies of joy to the choir. Her intelligence and wisdom shaped not only our vocal cords but also our character. Through her thoughtful teachings, she inspired us to always give our utmost, understanding personal limitations without sacrificing dedication. Her profound influence will live on in every note we sing. She was indeed an extraordinary teacher who added depth and meaning to our lives, and she'll be profoundly missed.
Lorraine Dunnington
Our sincere condolences to you & your family. Your mom was a wonderful lady & a huge musical influence to me early in my life. God bless you guys.
Jim and Judi Dittus
Dr. Carver and her family were present in so much of my musical journey through high school. She taught me many lessons not only about my voice, but about being a professional and maximizing the specific gifts I was given. She was caring, forgiving, and encouraging at all times. Her love of music and firm belief in the importance of music education touched the lives of so many artists, young and old, and her legacy will live on forever. Thank you for my voice, Dr. Carver.
Ali Wonderly
I sang in Ms. Carver's concert chorus for 3 years at East Central High School. She has impacted my life as much, if not more, than any teacher I have ever had. At church choir practice my wife and I will still recall things she would say and use them as examples. I really thought she would be around forever. I hope all the lives she touch will remember her with a smile and take this time to reach out to one another. We were like a family.
Keith and Dawna Trickey King
What an amazing, talented, wonderful Woman and Teacher!!!!! So many great memories in choir. She was tuff but amazing!!!! Thank you for helping me love music. My husband and I do specials and help with worship at our church. Can’t wait to see you in heaven and sing in your choir area.
Janice Rimer
I'm a Broadway actor-singer-dancer and an opera singer. I've studied voice with teachers in New York City, London and Los Angeles. In Tulsa, Marilyn helped me the most, teaching me to correct myself. I will miss her. Lynette Bennett Danskin
Lynette Bennett Danskin
At age 15, Mrs Chapman had me pretty intimidated as a young singer whose voice was just changing. However, we remained in contact through all these years and became co-teachers and a dear friend. She will always be a significant influence in my musical “career.” 1973 Hale HS Concert Choir 2019 Tulsa Choral concert
Jake Schweikhard
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Carver's passing. She was a dear friend to my mother Mary Lou Atkinson. She was also my high school music teacher and my private voice teacher. Her expertise and in-depth knowledge of singing and music literature was invaluable to me over the years. She will be missed in our musical community in Tulsa, but her legacy will live on in her many students throughout the years. Shari Atkinson
Shari Atkinson