Mary Jane Benikosky Brinlee was born December 5, 1941 to Florene Ridley and John Benikosky in Plainfield, NJ. On August 23, 2023 at the age of 81, she went to be with our Lord in Heaven. She lived life fully, loved fiercely, and served as a bright light to many who will miss her deeply.

Growing up in the forested suburbs of northern New Jersey, Mary Jane developed a life-long love of nature and the outdoors. After her father passed away in 1955, Florene relocated the family to her home state, Oklahoma. Mary Jane attended Oklahoma City's Capitol High School, Class of 1959, and worshiped at South Memorial Baptist Church, where she accepted Christ at an early age. She met her future husband Donald Brinlee at that same church, and they married in 1959. They welcomed three sons, Donald Lee, Terry Lewis, and Tony Ray, and raised them in Moore, Oklahoma.

Mary Jane was a wonderful mother, homemaker, and provider for her family. She and Don loved to stay active and have fun while bringing up their three boys. From little league to church parties, country western dancing to bowling leagues, and countless trips to the lake, the mountains, and Hawaiian beaches, Mary Jane always said yes to adventures with her loved ones.

For over 30 years, she worked for the federal government in civilian accounting jobs in Oklahoma City, Omaha, and Fort Worth, where she retired as a financial analyst for HUD in 2010. She spent her later years in Fort Worth, where she was able to stay close to her sons and their families, and continued to extend love and care for any family member in need. She loved to host family gatherings and holidays in her beautiful home.

Mary Jane was a curious, life-long learner. An avid gardener, she found joy in planting flowers, working in her yard, and learning about plants and trees. She enjoyed learning new things from her sons, their wives, granddaughters, and extended family, whose lives she immersed herself in. Generous with her affection and quick to share her boisterous laugh with others, she ensured everyone knew how much she loved them.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, John Benikosky and Florene Oliver; husband, Donald Brinlee; son, Terry Brinlee; and granddaughter, Marissa Brinlee.

She leaves a large group of family and friends to cherish her memory including her brother, John Benikosky; her sons, Donnie and his wife Brenda and Tony and his wife Denise; her granddaughters, Kirsten, Kaylan, Haley, and Brooke, plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Upon marrying Don, she gained a sister, Mollie, who welcomed her lovingly into the extended Crabtree family.

A memorial service is scheduled Saturday, September 2nd at 11am at the Craddock Funeral Home in Ardmore, OK, officiated by Dr. Stephen Lowrie, lead pastor at the North Fort Worth Baptist Church. Graveside will follow at Hewitt Cemetery in Wilson, OK for immediate family members.

Mary Jane was fortunate to receive a kidney donation from an unknown stranger in 2011 that extended her time with us. She never let a moment go by without expressing how thankful and forever grateful she was to the young man who made the decision to donate his organs.   In lieu of flowers please consider donating to www.pkdcure.org or signing up to be a real authentic life saver by registering at www.organdonor.gov

Donating saves and extends lives, and that's the truth from someone that knows.