Mary Mae (Osborne) Nelson

Mary Mae Nelson, a cherished matriarch and pillar of our community, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025 into the arms of Our Savior, at the age of 98 in Skiatook, Oklahoma. Mary Mae was born 30 minutes after her twin sister Martha Fay on April 16, 1926, in Clarita, Oklahoma, to Jacob and Lela (Jones) Osborne. Mary’s life was a living example of dedication, hard work, and love for her family and friends, all while following Christ.

Mary grew up in the close-knit town of Clarita, where she completed her education, graduating in 1944. Her thirst for knowledge led her to further her studies in Durant, Oklahoma, nurturing a lifelong love for learning. Mary married the Love of her life, Glenn Henry Nelson on October 15, 1946 in Ada, Oklahoma making their home in California, Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma where they lived 55 of the past 66 years in Skiatook. Mary's work ethic was evident throughout her varied careers. She worked diligently as a seamstress at Munsingwear in Hominy, Oklahoma, as a nurse's aide at the Skiatook Nursing Home, and as a Tupperware manager. Her caring nature was also evident through her volunteer work at SEAC (Skiatook Emergency Assistance Center), as a member of Blue Star Mothers, Green Country Bluegrass, and M.A.D.D. (Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers).  She and Glenn also volunteered as Sunday School and UMYF leaders at church.  She took great pride in her role as a homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home for all who entered. Mary was a woman of many interests and talents. She enjoyed playing cards and dominoes, as well as, sewing and crocheting. She and Glenn loved music, especially gospel and bluegrass, listening to their radio or record player often. They even gave square dancing a whirl for a while. Her love for gardening was well-known, as she cultivated beautiful flowers and bountiful vegetable gardens along with Glenn.  She loved having long conversations on the phone and reading, especially her Bible and The Upper Room.  Fishing was an enjoyable pastime shared with Glenn, family and friends as they connected with nature and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially at Grand Lake, Skiatook Lake and in their own pond. A gifted cook, she delighted in preparing meals for her family, especially during the holidays and family gatherings. Mary's joy was multiplied when watching her kids and grandkids in sports, concerts and plays, and she was always one of their most enthusiastic supporters.  A faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Skiatook, Mary's commitment to her faith was unwavering. She lived her beliefs through her actions, offering kindness and support to those around her and embodying biblical values in her daily life.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 74 years, Glenn, her parents, Jacob and Lela Osborne, her five sisters, Inez Kerr, Opal Adkins, Martha Jones, Jimmie Osborne, and Lorena Osborne, her two brothers, Andrew Osborne and Billy Austin Osborne, her sons, Jimmy Dale Nelson and Johnny Glenn Nelson, her granddaughters, Kristi Conley and Cassie Easky, and her great-great-grandson, Case Stanton.

Mary's legacy continues through those she leaves behind.  She is survived by her daughter, Glenda Guilfoyle, and her husband, George (Skiatook), as well as, four grandchildren, Joseph Nelson (Tulsa), Amy Ayres and her husband David (Skiatook), Alisa Hettich and her husband Tyler (Aurora, Colorado), and Hank Guilfoyle and his wife Shelley (Skiatook). She was also blessed with sixteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Mary's memory will be cherished by her numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends, all of whom felt the warmth of her love and the strength of her spirit.

Mary Mae Nelson's life was a tapestry of love, care, and community service. She never met a stranger and was friendly to everyone.  She often greeted people with a big “Hello” hug or left others with a “Goodbye” hug, which she would call a “Big Ol’ Neck Hug” She touched many lives with her generosity and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. As we say goodbye to this remarkable woman, we also celebrate the enduring impact she made on her family, friends, and the community of Skiatook. Mary's love and lessons will continue to guide us, and her memory will forever be a beacon of joy and resilience. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

The family of Mary Nelson entrusted her care and services to Sien-Shelton Funeral Home Skiatook, 918-396-9500.