Marie Elliott

Marie Jervis Elliott passed peacefully of natural causes on Friday, August 26, 2022, just 11 days past her 101st birthday.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Guy Elliott.

She is survived by children, Michael Dean and Gary Eugene; six grandchildren, Shannon, Robert, Amanda, Matt, Madison and McKamey; and two great-grandchildren, Jade and Austin.

Marie was born August 15, 1921, in Garvin County, Oklahoma, to Joseph H. and Callie G. Jervis, the youngest of five girls with one younger brother. Her parents were farmers, who raised grain and cotton in a lush agricultural area in Central Oklahoma. Marie enjoyed growing up on the farm. She attended school in Newcastle, Oklahoma, graduating in 1939.

Marie attended Hills Business College in Oklahoma City, while working part time as a model and salesperson at a women’s clothing store. She later worked for Douglas Aircraft in the records department, a position she held throughout most of World War II. Marie met and fell in love with a young ensign in the U.S. Naval Air Corp, Guy Elliott, and they were married in 1943, in the First Christian Church where Marie worshiped and sang in the choir.

After the war Marie and Guy moved to Odessa, Texas, where they established their home and raised their two sons, Michael Dean (b. Feb. 20, 1947) and Gary Eugene (b. May 18, 1950). Marie’s family was her priority and parenting took up most of her time the next 20 years. She was an assistant Den Mother and supported the school band and choir as well as the youth group at church.

Marie was driven to succeed in the business world. She eventually opened her own dress shop, then went on to earn her real estate license. She was also an avid golfer through her 80’s, winning many trophies, and was the recipient of a Life Membership from the Women’s Golf Association in 1986. Marie truly loved her church, First Christian of Odessa. She was a Deaconess and served on the church board. She belonged to the Booster Sunday school class and was a devoted choir member for more than 60 years and brought special music as soloist.

Marie was a selfless and strong woman who stood on her spiritual foundation in everything that she did. “Tough times don’t last; but tough people do” is what she loved to say.

Rest in peace, beautiful lady.