Marilyn Jones Lower

Marilyn was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on August 21, 1934, to V.T. and Betty Jones. She graduated from Classen High School and attended Oklahoma State University, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi. While at OSU, Marilyn married her high school sweetheart - and architectural student - (James) Alan Lower.

After university, Marilyn and Alan lived in Junction City, Kansas while Alan served in the Army Corps of Engineers. Following the birth of their son Chris, Marilyn and Alan returned to Oklahoma City, where Alan practiced architecture, and where they welcomed their daughter Anne.

Marilyn completed her Bachelor’s and obtained a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Central State University. She completed her practicum at Mary Mahoney Mental Health Center where she worked with underserved communities and later joined the staff at Red Rock Mental Health Center as a marital and family therapist. Marilyn transferred to the Mental Health Department at St. Anthony Hospital, treating survivors and first responders of the Murrah Center bombing. She subsequently co-founded Metropolitan Clinical Associates with her friend Tonya Van Horn and counseled many private clients until her retirement; several of these people still speak of the depth of healing she brought to them.

Marilyn was a skilled artisan; she taught spinning and weaving workshops in her home in Edmond and led women’s empowerment groups, journeying to Scotland to explore ancient Celtic mythology, standing stones and sacred sites. Marilyn and Alan were enthusiastic supporters of arts and culture. After Alan’s death, Marilyn loved traveling with her family and attending the Philharmonic, exploring a wide range of cuisines, and supporting the performing arts. Her greatest pleasure, however, was in becoming a grandmother, a role which brought her infinite joy.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Alan, her parents V.T. and Betty Jones, sister Janice Danielsen, half-sister Beverly Mako, half-brother V.T. Jr, and nephew Mark Hines. She is survived by her son Chris and daughter-in-law LaVeryl of Oklahoma City, OK; daughter Anne and son-in-law Don Shirey of Los Angeles, CA; grandson Sam and partner Wei Wen of Dallas, TX; sister Louise Hines of Seal Beach, CA; and dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as countless friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 25th at 2:00 pm, at Hahn-Cook/ Street & Draper, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City 73116. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Marilyn’s honor may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family gives great to SSA Hospice and the extraordinary staff of The Mansion at Waterford for their loving and gentle care. Marilyn was a joyous woman who touched many lives. She always found the good in everyone and worked to make the planet a more beautiful and kinder place.

The family asks that personal memories and stories be sent in care of [email protected].

“Age cannot wither her; nor custom stale her infinite variety.” - William Shakespeare