Julie Sue Marks Blackstone passed away September 17, 2022, from glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Julie Sue Marks Blackstone was born to Dr. John W. Marks and Leta Joyce (Rice) Marks on October 6, 1955, in Beaver, OK. She 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.Julie joined the OBU faculty full-time in 1997. In 2009, OBU promoted Julie to Assistant Professor of Art. In 2019, Julie received the highest honor for OBU Faculty members, the Distinguished Teaching Award (nominations are made by alumni, current students, faculty and administration). Julie taught at OBU up until the day her life was suddenly altered by seizures. Her artwork has been on display in more than 20 public galleries and museums, including the Oklahoma State Capitol; the National Cowboy Hall of Fame/ Western Heritage Museum and IAO Galleries, OKC; Houston, Brady Arts District and Hardest Arts Center, Tulsa, FL, MS, MI, NY, TX and SC. Julie’s artwork has also been widely displayed in the community, notably at the Mabee- Gerrer Museum of Art. 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 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 Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 2:oo PM on Saturday, September 24. A reception will follow the service.
