Marcheta Ownbey Woicikowfski

Marcheta was born on February 13th, 1945, in Lubbock to the late Loyd and Vera (Thacker) Ownbey. Following a valiant struggle with mesothelioma, she passed from this earthly life on Sunday, July 27th, 2025.

Marcheta’s love of learning led to many accomplishments, from graduation as the valedictorian of the class of 1963 at Levelland High School, to both a bachelor's and master’s degree, and certification in educational leadership from Texas Tech University, and finally a Texas realtor’s license. Throughout her life, she was a devout Bible scholar always eager to study and discuss other’s ideas.

Marcheta’s musical talents and devotion to God provided a lifetime of joy and influence. She worked diligently on piano lessons and later applied those skills to learning to play the organ while at Tech. Vocal music was also an important part of her life. Her association with the South Plains College music department led to her meeting the new high school choir director, John Woicikowfski, in the summer of 1964. By 1965, she was singing with the Texas Tech choir. Her beautiful alto voice continued to enrich the Church of Christ acapella worship services throughout her life.

Though Marcheta maintained high standards for herself, she was always accepting of others. She reflected the love of God and quietly worked to help where she saw needs.

With her generous nature, she chose to help others in many ways, most notably as an educator. She served as a classroom teacher in Plainview, Miami (Texas), Meadow, and Frenship ISD, and later as a librarian with South Plains College, Lubbock ISD, and Fort Worth ISD. Following retirement from public schools, she worked as a sales consultant with Renaissance Learning Inc., an educational software company. Seeking a new challenge in her seventh decade, Marcheta enjoyed a successful career as a residential real estate agent until illness curtailed her activity.

Marcheta married John Fredric Woicikowfski on December 23rd, 1966. After almost 60 years of marriage, John mourns the loss of his beloved wife. Marcheta is also survived by three children: Elizabeth de La Giraudiere of Grand Prairie, Ivanna (Jay) Flewharty of Lubbock, and Jordan (Nicole) Woicikowfski of Katy, Texas. The cherished grandchildren are Alexandra de la Giraudiere, Brittany Elkins, and Makena and James Woicikowfski. She is also survived by a sister, Kaye (Charles) Hickox, nephews Scott and Matt Mickox, and cousins Deana Mincher and Cheri Watts.