Marjorie Ann (Harris) Jinkins
Jul 19, 1937 - Nov 17, 2024
Posted by Martha Reddout

© Watts Funeral Home
(permission granted)

Marjorie Ann Jinkins of Shawnee, OK passed from this life Sunday, November 17, 2024.

Reverand Jeremy Higle will officiate her service on Thursday, November 21st at 11:00 A.M. at the Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home, Marietta.  Following her service, Mrs. Jinkins will be laid to rest beside the love of her life, in the Lakeview Cemetery, Marietta, Oklahoma 

Marge Jinkins was born on July 19, 1937 to Paskel and Omega Harris in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Marge graduated Valedictorian from Marietta High School in 1953. She made the most of her high school career excelling in basketball, drama and as a majorette in the marching band.  She continued her education in Durant at Southeastern State College where she earned a degree in elementary education.

Miss Harris’s first teaching assignment would land her at Iowa Park High where she taught health and coached Girl’s Basketball.  While there she not only had a winning season but also met the love of her life Jimmie Jinkins, they were later married on July 11, 1959.

Marge went on to earn a Master’s degree in Special Education at Oklahoma State University.  Her love for teaching extending more than 30 years to schools in Iowa Park, Texas, Oklahoma City Public Schools, Broken Bow and Poteau.

Marge and Jim’s family was complete with the arrival of their daughters RaeAnn and two years later Jamie.  The family would move to Durant where Jim would play football and finish his degree in Education.  The family would relocate to Oklahoma City where Jim and Marge would work for Oklahoma City Public Schools until 1973.

In 1973 the Jinkins family moved to Broken Bow where Marge taught first grade and Jim was the High School Principal and later Superintendent.  Broken Bow would become their home for 16 years with them developing deep friendships, community ties, a great love for the outdoors and Marge perfecting her sewing and creating skills.

People would often comment on what a great seamstress Marge was.  The Holidays were a Magical time at the Jinkins House as Jim and Marge crafted and decorated their yard with amazing wood figurines they made together.

In 1988, a career change for the now Dr. Jim Jinkins would take them to Poteau, where Jim would serve as the Vice-President of Carl Albert State College.  Marge continued her teaching career until she retired in 1990.  One of the pivotal moments in the life of Jim and Marge was when Rae Ann married Jeff Shafer. Marge often referred to him as the “best son-in-law” ever.

The real moments of excitement began with the arrival of their grandchildren, Jeremy Kyle and Blakely Kecia, Jeffrey Robert and Jayden Ray. 

While Jim was busy running the College, Marge started volunteering at the hospital gift shop it was about this time that the Beanie Baby craze started,  It didn’t take long for Marge to learn which  days the hospital’s shipment to the much prized Beanie Babies arrived, so she started volunteering more often to ensure Jeremy and Blakely had the largest collection of the hard to find “rare”  Beanie Babies.  She became the envy of all grandmothers and everyone in town - later winning the “Volunteer of the Year” award for her number of hours worked at the hospital.

In 2000, anticipating Jim’s retirement they purchased a motorhome, planning lots of travel for craft shows, fishing, seeing grandchildren and seeing places unknown.  Unfortunately, in 2002, shortly after Jim’s retirement, he was diagnosed with leukemia.  They would spend the next two years at MD Anderson, with Marge always by his side, being the ultimate care giver.  True to her nature, she made many friends with other family members going through similar situations, she was a great listener, offering comfort, console and a warm hug.  Marge was the best caregiver a husband could ask for.

In 2004 with Jim’s passing her life’s mission changed, she focused on her grandchildren, spending as much time as possible in both Shawnee and Poteau taking in Baseball, Scouting, Basketball and various other activities.

One of her favorite pastimes was watching basketball, whether it be RaeAnn coaching or a grandchild playing.  Often after a game she could be heard giving “helpful” coaching tips or asking why you didn’t take a certain shot.   Marge also proudly liked to tell the story of her daughter RaeAnn having the State Championship Basketball Team and beating Sherri Coale back in the day.

In 2008 Marge moved to Primrose Retirement Community where she made lots of friends and served as the President of the Board and as unofficial new resident greeter.  Marge’s love for sewing led to making numerous t-shirt quilts for her grandchildren and friends.  She continued her crafting during activity time.  Puzzles became a favorite pastime as friends gathered at the puzzle table until late in the evening.  Needless to say, Marge was the shining light, as usual.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 45 years Dr. Jimmie R. Jinkins and daughter Jamie Jinkins.

She is survived by her daughter Rae Ann Shafer and husband Jeff Shafer of Shawnee, granddaughter Blakely Shafer Berry and Nick of Oklahoma City, Jeffrey Shafer of Oklahoma City, Jayden Shafer of Shawnee, Jeremy Jinkins and wife Monica of Shawnee.

Great-grandchildren Fitz Berry, Henry Berry, Marigold Berry of Oklahoma City, Malachi Jinkins, Titus Jinkins of Shawnee

Serving as Pallbearers: Jeffrey Shafer, Jayden Shafer, Jeremy Jinkins, Nick Berry

A keepsake video is available through the funeral home.

FUNERAL SERVICE
Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home
Thursday, November 21, 2024
11:00 AM
100 East Main
Marietta, OK 73448
 
INTERMENT
Lakeview Cemetery
Thursday, November 21, 2024
10589 Cemetery Road
Marietta, OK 73448