Marlene James

Marlene (Hopkins) James, a resident of Shawnee, passed away peacefully at her home with her family at her side on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the age of 78. Marlene was born on April 29, 1946 in Kendrick, Oklahoma to Audrey Hopkins and Margaret Francis (Blair) Hopkins.

Marlene was married to the love of her life, Don L. James. She worked for approximately 35 years as a banking customer service expert starting with First State Bank in Shawnee, which later became First United Bank. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother and was loved by many people she always so thoughtfully touched.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Audrey and Margaret Hopkins; a sister, Mary Lou Harris and brother-in-law, O.D. Harris; a brother-in-law, Mark Melson; a sister-in-law, Patsy Quinn; a brother-in-law, Donnie Quinn; and a brother-in-law, Luke James.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Don L. James of the home; two sons, Larry James of Shawnee and Terry James of Malakoff, TX; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Esther Hopkins of Kendrick and Jesse and Diana James of Stroud; and a sister-in-law, Carol Melson; eight grandchildren, Brenner James and Erin Bronson of Edmond, Cooper James of Shawnee, Addy James of Shawnee, Ryker James of Malakoff, TX, Kylee Jo James of Malakoff, TX, Heartlee James of Malakoff, TX, Macie Thlang and husband Alex of North Richland, TX, and Raeleigh Pierce and Natalie Bermudez of Charlotte, NC.; as well as other extended family and many good friends.

A funeral service for Marlene will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 2:00pm at Taproot Church, 22 East Dunloup Street in Shawnee with Khris Steele and Mike Melton officiating. Interment will follow the service immediately at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of McElyea & Owens Funeral Group.

Pallbearers will be Brenner James, Alex Thlang, Cooper James, Ryker James, Jeff Chamblin, and Billy Whited.

The family has designated that donations may be sent to Shawnee Wrestling, Attn: Andrew McCune, 1001 N. Kennedy, Shawnee, OK 74801.

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