Margaret Joe Randall Bickford

Margaret Joe (Randall) Bickford, a woman of strong faith, strong values and strong will, died on February 26, 2011 in Oklahoma City, after a brief illness. Margie was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma on May 3, 1920, the youngest of three daughters of Beatrice and Carl Randall. She graduated from Blackwell High School in 1938. During her senior year, she was selected the Arkalalah Queen and the May Queen.

Margie pursued her education at the University of Oklahoma where, like her older sisters, she joined Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Thus began a lifelong love of all things Theta and OU. As World War II approached its end, she married Warren F Bickford III, and they spent a year in Florida while Bick finished active military duty. After his discharge, they returned to Blackwell to make their home.

In Blackwell Margie was an active PEO member, a loving wife and mother, a community volunteer, a substitute teacher, and from 1970 until 1990 the Librarian of the Blackwell Public Library, something she enjoyed tremendously. In 1993 she moved to Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City.

Margie is preceded in death by her husband, Warren Bickford III; her son, Bruce Bickford; and her sisters, Billie Edwards and Betty Martin. She is survived by her son, Warren and his wife Cindy of Edmond, their children, Hunter and Alyssa; her brother-in-law, John Bickford and his wife Harlene; and several nieces and nephews. The greatest joys of all to Margie were her grandchildren, Hunter and Alyssa, of whom she was extremely proud.

Margie Bickford's life was one of generosity and service to others. She was an elegant and soft-spoken lady (unless the Sooners were losing in the fourth quarter). She was a role model to many and gracious to all. "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make" We love you, Marg.

The family thanks the Epworth Villa staff and the professionals at St. Anthony Hospital and Hospice House for their care and compassion. Thanks also to Julia Lindsay for her friendship.

There will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on March 9, 2011 at the Epworth Villa chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Blackwell Public Library or the Regional Food Bank in Margie's memory.