Marian Elizabeth Coffman Cody

Memorial services for Marian Cody, age 96, of Oklahoma City will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at Rose Hill Cemetery, 6001 NW Grand Blvd., in Oklahoma City, with the Reverend Canon Susan Joplin of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral. Marian Cody passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, April 30th, 2014. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Dr. C. Frederick and Jessie M. Gilson Coffman, and her one true love, C. C. “Bill” Cody. She was born on January 17, 1918, in Oklahoma City.

Marian began college at Oklahoma City University as an accomplished ballet dancer and an avid student of the arts, until one day a Geology professor began her class with the poem “Each in His Own Tongue” by William Herbert Carruth, which instantly inspired her to change her focus and devote her studies to Geology at the University of Oklahoma. It was this change in course that led her to the love of her life, Bill Cody. She met Bill at OU. They were both enrolled in the Geology department. Often admiring each other’s work and success in class, Marian became curious about the man who always made a perfect grade, and Bill wanted to meet the woman whose work was truly impeccable. Bill introduced himself to Marian and asked her to join him for a cup of coffee at the Town Tavern on Campus Corner. She agreed, and before they had finished their cup of coffee Bill asked her to marry him and move to South America with him. Her response, “Well, sure!” They finished their coffee and walked next door to the local jewelry store, and picked out a ring. Thus began their instant and timeless love story.

Marian graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Geology in the summer of 1940. Upon graduation, Marian moved to Tulsa where she worked as a geologist for an oil company. It was during this time in Tulsa that she discovered her passion for flying. She earned her pilot’s license in 1941, and joined the Tulsa Civil Air Patrol. Her heart soared when she flew and every time she recalled her flights above the clouds.

On November 5, 1942, Marian and Bill were married at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City. Almost immediately after they were wed, they began their adventure together and moved to South America where she worked for Tropical Oil running her own paleontological lab and where Bill was the Party Chief for Seismograph Service Corporation in charge of all Columbian operations. They made their new home in Columbia, a place that captured their hearts. It was there that she and Bill bought their “Espiritu” – a lovely little sea plane. Bill got his pilot’s license as well and they flew over land and sea taking turns at the controls. She once wrote about their time flying their “Espiritu” and stated that when she and Bill were flying together, they were “no longer earth-bound; free of all responsibility except to each other . . . It was a point of time of pure abandon and delight that could never be equaled in just the same way again.”

In 1944, they moved to Caracus, Venezuela, and on December 24th of that same year, their daughter, Carole Anne, was born. Marian began working as the Venezuelan correspondent for the Oil and Gas Journal, a job that allowed her to devote herself to being a mother. On October 7, 1947, their son, Michael Frederic, was born. By 1948, she and Bill decided to move back to Oklahoma City so that their children would not be denied the American heritage and opportunities. It was there that they built their dream home. Together, they had lovingly imagined every detail of the design so that it would perfectly suit their family of four and provide them with a place of joy and comfort for all the years to come.

Marian’s intellect was matched by her beauty, wisdom, elegance, and grace. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she was a very talented writer, painter and sculptor. She served as the President of the Parent Teacher Association through all the school years of her children, President of the Oklahoma City Hospitality Club, and was a lifelong member of Twin Hills Country Club. She was adored and admired by all who knew her. We mourn the loss of beloved Marian, but we celebrate her life and take comfort knowing that she is reunited with her love, Bill, flying together once again.

Marian is survived by her daughter, Carole Pyle and husband, Ronny, and by her son, Michael Cody, her grandchildren, Matthew Pyle; Caron (Pyle) Loffland and husband, Matt, and their children, Fischer and Catherine; Elizabeth (Pyle) Lahmann and husband Ryan, and their children, Elaina, Audrey and Caroline; Adam Pyle and wife Leanne, and their children, Christalynne, Andrew, Alexander, and Alexis; Michael Cody; and, Zachary Cody.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.