Obituary of Opal Marie Gregory

Marie Gregory – a woman who was once too shy to eat at a restaurant – died Tuesday, June 2, after a life full of serving at church, traveling with her family and sharing encouragement with others. She didn’t let her shyness, or much of anything else, hold her back. She was born and spent much of her life in Jenks, Okla., near her parents and brothers. She married the boy who invited her to the restaurant, and they had the kind of love and friendship that strengthened them both. They were married 44 years, 5 months and 2 days. She knew because she counted. Together, they had three daughters. She attended every softball practice, every band concert and every Girl Scout meeting. She saved every report card and every picture. When grandkids started arriving, she started all over again attending special events and making favorite meals and desserts. She made a quilt for every child and embroidered enough pillow cases and dish towels for each family’s home. She even won a second-place ribbon at the county fair for her embroidery work. She showed her love by the things she did for friends, too. Her wall calendar was full of birthdays and anniversaries, and everyone got a card. She loved helping people in need, and she would spend hours sewing and shopping so strangers could have a joyful Christmas or have new supplies to start the school year. Even on the day she died, she wanted to know how friends and family members were doing, and she remembered a great-granddaughter’s first birthday. Of course, she had already written the card. Marie was predeceased by her parents, Jessie Floyd and Alberta Cates; her husband, Bobby Gregory; and her great-grandson, Soren Lilich. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Kathy and Rickey Hayes of Broken Arrow; Jaquita and Tony Lilich of Sapulpa; and Marketta and Brian Bakke of Rochester, NY; grandchildren and their spouses: Bobby DeWayne and Jessica Lilich, Melissa and John Laidley, Jessica and Nate Casteel, Travis and Holly Hayes, Benjamin Bakke and Colt Bakke; great-grandchildren: Alicea Shaw Hayes, Huxley Lilich, James Laidley and Anna Laidley; and special friend, Keith Reid. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Jun 5 at 1:00 PM at Jenks Bethel Baptist 11808 South Elm Street, Jenks Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jun 4 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Green Hill Funeral Home 400 East Teel Road, Sapulpa Final Resting Place Green Hill Memorial Gardens 400 E. Teel Rd., Sapulpa www.greenhillok.com .