Margie Coleen Herring was born on August 22,1952 in Chandler, Oklahoma, to parents Bill and Ruby Herring. She was their fourth daughter and completed their family. Other than a brief time living in Wichita, Kansas where Margie attended kindergarten, she spent her youth living in Agra, Oklahoma where she graduated from Agra High School in 1970.

On July 9th, 1969, at the July 4th Parkland meetings, Margie, along with Lyle Marshall, were baptized into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn by Brother Henry Mc Farlin at the Gin Pond in Parkland, Oklahoma - which shaped the course of her life.

 Shortly after graduating, she married the love of her youth, Lyle Marshall, on June 19, 1970.

To this union of 40 years, they had two daughters, Sandy Gail and Angela Kay.

Their early years of marriage were spent living briefly in Oklahoma City, Enid, Fairview, and Chandler, Oklahoma, eventually settling in Mutual, Oklahoma. Margie enjoyed a quiet country life raising her family in a small close-knit community and attending church in Vici.

In 1987, they moved to Sacramento, California. where she continued to open her home and heart to others.

She wasn’t adventurous by nature; however, by marrying Lyle, she found herself on many adventures and journeys she learned to cherish. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and the service of God.

After Lyle was paralyzed in a plane crash in 2002, Margie became his constant caretaker, but this did not slow down their adventures. They only became more colorful. They traveled many miles together, visiting brethren, friends, and family. Where there was a will, they found a way. Margie was by his side until is passing in 2010.

Her love for children was evident in every part of her life. Through her work as midwife, God allowed her to welcome countless babies into the world. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she poured her heart into her family. And as a friend to so many, she treated every child as someone worthy of love and care.

Throughout her life, she consistently put others first. She was known for her hospitality—always willing to welcome people into her home, feeding and lodging countless souls through the years, ready to offer help where it was needed, and to care for anyone who found themselves in hardship. Her thoughtfulness touched the lives of all who knew her.

One of her greatest joys was traveling among the brethren. Those trips filled her life with laughter, stories, and treasured friendships. Even after Lyle’s passing on September 11, 2010, she continued to travel thousands of miles on her own. Nearly ten years widowed, she surprised her family many times with her independent spirit and unexpected adventures. However, the lord had a plan for her remaining days to be shared and not alone.

On February 11, 2020, she married Albert Atkinson, who became her loving partner and companion. Margie’s sight was beginning to fade, so they didn’t waste any time. Albert drove Margie many places she wanted to see before her sight was gone.  They traveled from California to Niagara Falls, stopping many places along the way. When she eventually lost her eyesight, Al became her eyes—guiding her, supporting her, and helping her embrace what she affectionately called “the scenic route.” Albert was Margie’s constant help and companion until the end.

She also found joy in life’s simple, peaceful moments. Morning crosswords and Yahtzee with Al at the kitchen table, afternoon walks, baking cookies with her grandkids, or sharing a cup of coffee and conversation were among her most cherished pleasures.

She lived with grace, humility, and a steadfast love for the Lord, her family, her brethren, and all who crossed her path. Her legacy is one of kindness, service, and her quiet but powerful faith that touched countless lives.

Margie was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Ruby Herring. Her sisters, Billie Jean and Beverly. Her husband, Lyle Marshall.

Margie is survived by her husband, Albert Atkinson, sister Beth Malloy her daughter, Sandy and husband Charley Cunningham, daughter Angela and husband David Ward, Granddaughters Malea (Josh) Gibson, Rachel Ward, Makenzi (Colton) Wittman, Laci (Leeman) Byers, Allison (Corey) Wright, and Grandsons Blake Cunningham, Levi (Mikka) Ward, Shelby (Laura) Cunningham, Lucas (Autumn) Cunningham. Great-Grandchildren Crixus Bellew, Linnea and Isla Gibson, Ella and Ruby Cunningham, Darius, Damon, Atreus, Artemis, and Kalisie Ward, and Lucy Wittman, with 2 more on the way. And a host of friends and family.