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Margaret Delilah
Nobles
Nov 4, 1940 — Jan 30, 2026
Fort Smith
Margaret Delilah Nobles- known to most as Delilah, to many as Lala, Lollie, and to her greatest treasures as Mom, Mamaw Ollie, and GiGi- was born in the tiny community of Clearlake, Oklahoma, and raised in Howe, Oklahoma, a place small in population but rich in the values she carried throughout her life.
She was born on November 4, 1940, to George and Myrtle Williams and grew up as the seventh of nine children in a lively household where love, responsibility, and resilience were learned early. As the "runt" of the family, Delilah may have been small in stature, but she more than made up for it with determination, spirit, and a heart that could hold everyone she loved.
Delilah's life story is deeply rooted in devotion. She married the love of her life, James Nobles, on December 26, 1958—the day after Christmas- after the two grew up side by side. Their love story spanned an incredible 68 years and was a testament to loyalty, partnership, and unwavering commitment. They were rarely apart and shared a bond that carried them through every season of life hand in hand.
In 1959, Delilah became a mother to her first and only daughter, Denise, followed by the arrival of her only son, Greg, in 1964. Of all the roles she held, "Mother" was the one she wore most proudly. There was nothing she loved more fiercely than James, Denise, and Greg.
When Denise married Chuck, Delilah gained not just a son-in-law, but a son in her heart (and maybe a lovable pain in her rear) from day one. Denise and Chuck went on to bless James and Delilah with three granddaughters—three girls who believed their Mamaw Ollie hung the moon, and honestly, she probably did.
Mamaw Ollie was the kind of grandparent who never ran out of patience or imagination. Cards, dominoes, board games, or entirely made-up games, she played them all and never tired of the chaos. There were rules, of course: absolutely no cussing, especially the truly terrible words like "crap" and "shut up." Still, she laughed hardest at the girls' jokes, even when she was the punchline. She was endlessly proud of her granddaughters and made sure they always knew it.
As the family grew, Delilah happily stepped into yet another cherished role "GiGi" to eight great-grandchildren. She lovingly babysat the oldest granddaughter until she physically couldn't anymore, never because she didn't want to, but because she had already given every ounce of herself.
Delilah was a caretaker at heart from a young age. It was simply who she was. She cared selflessly for everyone around her—from babies to extended family and lovingly cared for her own mother and mother in law until the very end of their lives. Even when Delilah's mind began to wander later in life, her heart never did. Her caregiver spirit and heart of gold remained constant, and she always found ways to let her family know how proud she was and how deeply she loved them.
Her faith was an important foundation in her life. Delilah was a devoted Christian whose quiet belief guided her actions, her kindness, and her commitment to serving others. She lived out her faith through love, generosity, and grace, setting an example for her family that will continue for generations.
Delilah was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she formed lasting friendships and enjoyed fellowship within her community. She valued the sense of purpose and connection it brought to her life.
Though small in stature, Delilah was fierce in spirit, especially on the bowling lanes. She loved her time bowling in league with friends and proved time and again that determination mattered far more than size. Bowling brought her laughter, camaraderie, and many stories.
Margaret Delilah Nobles lived a life defined by love, service, faith, and quiet strength. She leaves behind her beloved husband, James Nobles; her daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Chuck Kolp, her son, Greg Nobles, along with her granddaughters and their families: Tyson and Brooke Hallman and their children Maicie, Dax, and Oaklee; Bryan and Jamiee Freeman and their children D'Angelo, Haven, and Halle; and Damon and Maggie Sheffield and their children Drake and Dru. Her sisters, Joann Neher, Bobbie Glenn, Carolyn Baxter, and Linda Watkins (H.L.); her sister-in-love, Carolyn Watkins Williams; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other cherished family and friends who will forever hold her memory close.
She was preceded in death by her parents George & Myrtle Williams; her brothers, George "Junior" Williams and Eugene Williams; and her sisters, Lillian Glasgow and Martha Kull, and countless loved ones who were blessed by her care.
Delilah may have been small, but her love was anything but. Her legacy of devotion, laughter, and compassion will continue to echo through generations. Those fortunate enough to be loved by her will carry that love in their hearts forever.
In the quiet early hours of January 30th, Delilah took her final breath peacefully with James by her side- just the two of them, the same way their love story began.
A memorial service to honor Delilah' life will be held at a later date in Howe Cemetery under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center of Poteau, Oklahoma. LeFlore County's First and Only Onsite Crematory
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