Mae ‘Margaret’ Maness

Ms. Maness died Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, in Tulsa.

She was born June 20, 1905, in Salem, Mo., the daughter of the Rev. Edward F. and Ada Thurmond Maness. She was raised on a farm in rural Missouri. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Mary Hardin Baylor College in Texas and a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York City. She moved to Tulsa in 1971.

Ms. Maness was a teacher and began her career in country schools. She taught English and journalism at Haskell Institute from 1945 to 1970. She also published several articles on religious and family topics. She retired in 1970 and began volunteering for several charities in Tulsa, including the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She created the Tel-a-Care program and organized volunteers to call shut-ins every day. She received an award for meritorious service from the Department of the Interior in 1970.

Survivors include two nephews, John Maness and Tom Maness, both of Tulsa; a niece, Ann Patton, Tulsa; and several great-nephews and great-nieces.

The family suggests memorials to Tulsa Partners, Room 532, City Hall, Tulsa OK 74103.