Marva Shirley [Whaley]Dupree, after 68 years, surrendered to the will of the Master on Monday, September 12, 2005 from Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa.

She was born on February 21, 1937 in Anadarko, Oklahoma, the daughter of Bernie Whaley and Etta Marie Washington. She grew up and attended school in Muskogee, where she graduated from Historic Manual Training High School with the Class of 1955. She furthered her education at Connors State College and Northeastern State University.

She utilized her many talents, including Nurse Aid at Muskogee General Hospital, and serving as secretary for Muskogee Community Action Program. Her most outstanding talent was as a seamstress. She was known for her many different outfits she would make for herself. She also shared her sewing ability with others.

Shirley obeyed the Gospel in 1952. She was a faithful member of the 18th & Denison Church of Christ until her health failed. She loved to sing praises unto the Lord. She was also an active member of the Adult Chorus at 18th & Denison Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Etta Nicks, her father, Bernie Whaley, a sister, Imogene Duke and a son, James Tyree.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her daughters, Vicki Williams and LaDonn Sumter; sons-in-law, Leo Williams, Jr., and Harold "Shawn" Sumter; 2 grandchildren, Marquita and Sidney Williams; 2 brothers, Samuel Whaley and Curtis Whaley & wife Georgianna; a nephew, Rososevelt Roy, Jr., & wife Joanna; along with a host of brothers and sisters in Christ and other friends.

The final tribute to Mrs. Dupree will be on Saturday, Septemer 17, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. in the 18th & Denison Church of Christ. Brother Eric Rogers will officiate. Burial will follow in the Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee. You may visit Mrs. Dupree as she slumbers at the funeral home on Friday from 12 Noon until 6 P.M.