Margie Merriman, 88, of Holdenville, Oklahoma, passed peacefully on December 6, 2025, in McAlester, Oklahoma. She was born on November 21, 1937, in Atwood, Oklahoma, the ninth of ten children of Ira J. and Agnes (Gardner) Blackburn.

Margie grew up in Atwood and proudly graduated from Atwood High School. She enjoyed a lively childhood surrounded by a large family, where she learned the values of hard work and resourcefulnesstraits that would serve her well throughout her life. She played piano and participated in basketball and softball during her school years, sparking a lifelong love of activity, creativity, and community.

On May 21, 1954, Margie married the love of her life, J.C. Merriman, and together they shared 71 beautiful years. Their home was filled with faith, family, humor, and the aroma of her wonderful cooking and baked dishes that blessed countless church events and family gatherings.

Margie was the owner and office manager of A-1 Feed in Holdenville, where she worked alongside her family since 1981. She was involved in her community in many ways throughout her life, including serving as a Boy Scout leader in the early 1970s and being a longtime member of the East Main Church of Christ. She taught Bible study, supported Vacation Bible School, and lovingly baked for fellowship and funeral services. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Margie was well-known for her exceptional talents as a gardener, seamstress, and cook.

Whether mending, planting, baking, or serving, she used her gifts to greatly bless others. She was a woman of practicality and wit-often reminding her family with a smile, “We are not made out of money.”

Margie is survived by her husband, J.C. Merriman, of the home; and her children Connie (Jim) Bryan ofAda, Randy (Connie) Merriman of Holdenville, Lisa (David) Ewing of Glenpool, and Shawna (Darren) Thompson of Bethel. She is also survived by her grandchildren Laura Merriman of Oklahoma City, Abbey (Cooper) Clayton of Claremore, and Colby Thompson of Edmond; and lastly, her sister, Sue Osmond of Tulsa, OK.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Agnes Blackburn; her sisters Zelda (Carl) Morris, Alene (R.C.) Borders, Anna Lou (Odell) Hays, Janet Treat, and Peggy (Harold) Merriman; her brothers Boyce Blackburn, Glenn Blackburn, and David (Jane) Blackburn; and her grandson, Tyler Merriman and brotherin- law, John Osmond.

Funeral service was held Tuesday, December 9th, at 2:00 PM at East Main Church of Christ in Holdenville with Larry Bailey officiating. Graveside service followed at Atwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Danny Thedford, Gary Deshields, Tom Turner, Colby Thompson, Walt Sherry and Tyler Barnett. Honorary Pallbearers were Chris, Merriman, Jack Goodson, Chad Goodson, Bill Osmond, Stan Wallace, James Stafford, Brian Wilson, Josh Black, James Ogle, David Ewing, Darren Thompson and Jim Bryan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Team Tyman Love Legacy Corp., P.O. Box 816, Holdenville, OK 74848 or online at www. TeamTyMan.com.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Janie Silliman, the staff of Belfair of McAlester, and the Elara Caring Hospice staff for their extraordinary compassion and care.