Marlene (Hopkins) James, a resident of Shawnee, passed away peacefully at her home with her family at her side on Saturday, November 24, 2024, at the age of 78. Marlene was born on April 29, 1946, inKendrick,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-inlaw, DonnieQuinn;andabrother-in-law,LukeJames. 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,DonaldandEstherHopkinsofKendrick and Jesse and Diana James of Stroud; and a sisterin- law, Carol Melson; eight grandchildren, Brenner James 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.
Afuneral service for Marlene was held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Taproot Church, 22 East Dunloup Street in Shawnee, with Chris Steele and Mike Melton officiating. Interment followed 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.