Julie Sue Marks Blackstone, the third of four children born to Dr. John W. Marks and Leta Joyce (Rice) Marks, was born October 6, 1955, in Beaver, Oklahoma. She died September 17, 2022, from glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.
Julie lived in Beaver before her family relocated in 1971 to Blackwell, OK. She maintained lifelong friendships with many people in both towns. Julie graduated from Blackwell High School and completed her B.A. in commercial art at Central State University (now UCO) in Edmond. She continued her studies at CSU and earned an M.Ed.
Upon graduation, she worked as an artist/lead designer at Glasshaus Stained Glass Studio in Oklahoma City. In 1979, she became an adjunct professor of art at South Oklahoma City Junior College.
She married Dr. Harlan Blackstone, and Julie adored being a mom to their children, Rachael and Evan. They were blessed to have her as a mom, and they have been a blessing to her, especially during her illness.
In the years before she became a full-time faculty member at Oklahoma Baptist University, she helped run the OBU ceramics lab, sold artwork in galleries and taught private lessons. Julie joined the OBU faculty full-time in 1997. In 2009, Julie became Assistant Professor of Art. In 2017, Julie received The Provost’s Award of Excellence. In 2019, Julie received the highest honor for OBU Faculty members, the Distinguished Teaching Award. Julie was often referred to as a mentor and influence by her students who went onto success in their own careers.
Perhaps best known for her textile/fiber art, Julie’s “Knotty Girl” works were created using a French Knot embroidery technique with embellishments. Julie’s work has been featured in numerous juried shows, winning awards on both a regional and national level, including Fiberworks and Handweavers Guild of America (Award for Excellence twice). In 2021, Julie was part of a three-woman show at Gaylord-Pickens Museum.
Julie was a lover of all the fine arts and appreciated those who excelled in writing and music. She published several books on Amazon under the pseudonyms of Marty Russell (mystery/drama), R.L. Evans (historical fiction) and Jules Marks (medieval fantasy).
Julie was active in Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church for many years. She later was confirmed at Emmanuel Episcopal, where she was a member of Chancel Choir, cantered, and worked with Bible school.
Julie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by two children: Rachael Blackstone Fawcett (Tanner) of Prague, and son Evan Blackstone of Spokane, WA; grandchildren Waylon Fawcett and Tanner Ann Fawcett; brother Steven W. Marks (Margaret); sister Jana Marks Lamb (Rod); brother David Marks (Jane); “forever sister” Mary Marks Jenkins; stepmom Pat White Marks; and a large extended family.
Memorial donations can be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Shawnee, OK, or to the environmental or charitable cause of your choice.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with a reception to follow.
