Marian Louise Cunningham

Marian Louise Cunningham age 92 years, of Lindsay, OK passed away peacefully in her home surrounded with loving family on February 17, 2025. She was born on August 3, 1932 to John Earl Sinclair and Florence Mae (Johnson) Sinclair. Marian spent her entire life in Lindsay. She attended school at See Chapel, Bradley and graduated Valedictorian of her class on May 17, 1950 from Cox City High School. Marian married her high school sweetheart, Olen Clifford Cunningham on September 9, 1949 in Gainesville, Texas. Marian assisted Olen for 45 years, before his death on May 19, 1994, in their farming and cattle operation. She continued to run cattle until finally selling off the herd in 2012. Proudly raising a garden each year, she canned various fruits and vegetables to feed her family as well as sharing with friends and neighbors. 

A devoted member of the Missionary Baptist Church, she taught many Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible School classes. Marian diligently shared the love of her Lord and Savior with others. 

Marian’s passion was family, history and community. Her greatest joy was tending and caring for children. Her babysitting spanned a 30-year period until 2024 while still caring for 2-year-old, Alayna. “The best baby yet!” was a statement made about every child she kept! She faithfully attended various activities of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren until age prevented her from continuing to do so. 

An excellent seamstress, she made most of her daughter’s clothes as well as sewing for family and many others in the vicinity of Lindsay. She did work outside the home a short time while working for Sherri Classics, a sewing factory. 

Marian was a member of the Purdy Home Extension Club, earning many ribbons with sewing and food entries. She loved meeting with friends and working together for the betterment of the community. In 1987 she was commissioned by a member of the International Office of UCO to create a set of World flags for the Edmond community. The result was over 200 parade flags being hand sewn to be used in campus and community activities. On October 22, 1987, Governor George Nigh presented her a plaque commending her service to the University and the International Department of Edmond’s First Baptist Church. 

Marian’s love of history inspired her to join the Lindsay Historical Society. When plans were being introduced to move the Pikes Peak School across the street from the Murray Mansion, Marian began to gather information, pictures and artifacts from Pikes Peak community members. After 4 years of gathering, interviewing and editing, she completed her first book, “The Pikes Peak History Book, 1908-2008.” 

Marian is preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae Sinclair; husband, Olen Cunningham; granddaughter, Sheralyn Suzanne Somers; brothers, Johnson Sinclair and wife Margaret, Thomas Sinclair, and Connie Sinclair (aka Peewee), sisters-in-law, Neta Jean Sinclair and Ora Marie Sinclair. 

Survivors include two daughters, Jeanna Beth Bearden and husband Lamar of Lindsay, Janet Sue Somers and husband Bobby Fox of Lindsay. 

Son-in-law, Michael Somers 

Seven grandchildren; A’Lana Mays, Jason Mays, A’Licia and Heath Gray, Aric and Kourtney Bearden, Ryan and LaShanda Somers, Alia and Scott Dutton, Daniel Somers, Mykayla Fox and a very special bonus grandchild, John Short. 

Eleven great grandchildren; Ashlan and Holden Scott, Abbie Mays, Allyson Mays, Karic Gray, Kylan Gray and Shelby Chaffin of Norman, Baylee and Jackson Stephen, Kamryn Bearden, Connor Somers, Ava Somers, Owen Dutton and Alayna. 

One great-great grandchild, Karter Kay Stephen, due in May 2025. 

Brothers; Bill Sinclair of Moore Oklahoma, Donnie Sinclair and Kay of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the following organization: 

The Lindsay Historical Society/Pikes Peak School

PO Box 282 

Lindsay, OK 73052 

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 21, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma. No graveside service will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home in Maysville, Oklahoma.  Words of comfort may be sent to the family on this website.