Mary Gay Oxley, born November 15, 1955, passed away on January 5, 2026, due to complications from renal disease. She will be buried in the Gainesville Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Gerson (R.G.) Landers and Mary Ruth (McDonald) Landers. She grew up in Gainesville, Missouri, where she often spoke fondly of her idyllic childhood.
Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, and passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. After a brief period in the private sector, she returned to Missouri State University to complete a Master of Business Administration degree. Shortly thereafter, she began working in the accounting department at Drury College, where she later served as Chief Financial Officer for approximately 20 years.
Mary married her grade-school sweetheart, Ray Tharol Oxley. Due to Ray’s career, they lived in several communities, including Oklahoma, North Carolina, Texarkana, Arkansas, and ultimately returned to Piedmont, Oklahoma. While living in North Carolina, Mary was honored as Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her many contributions to the community.
In Piedmont, Mary especially enjoyed spending time with her son, Britain Oxley, his wife, Shay Oxley, and her beloved grandchildren, Eli and Danica Oxley.
Mary is survived by her husband, Ray Oxley; her brother, Stacy Landers, and his spouse, Linda; her sister, Debbie Landers; her niece, Shannan Robinson and her husband, Andy; her nephew, Christopher Newton, and his spouse, Bonnie. She is also survived by several great-nieces, one great-nephew, and many cousins whom she dearly loved.
Mary will be deeply and fondly missed by all who knew her.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, Missouri.
