Murlene Cousins

Murlene Janine Nelson Cousins was born November 28, 1937 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Harold and Clara Nelson. She came into the world just after Midnight so she could be born on her mothers’ birthday. She left this world peacefully on June 22, 2025. She was 87.

She lived in Tulsa until her father’s job moved the family to Oklahoma City when she was 10 years old. She graduated from Classen High School in 1955 and went to Oklahoma State University. While attending OSU she met the love of her life, Fred Cousins. They were married for almost 61 years and resided and raised their family in Fort Smith.

Murlene was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was always there for her children as a Brownie leader, Cub Scout den mother and in many other school volunteer positions. She was an extremely talented seamstress, tole painter, a wonderful cook and strong Christian. These are things that don’t seem like big achievements in today’s world but they were in her family’s eyes. She was a dedicated member of First Lutheran Church for 65 years where she served as the first bazar co-chair, in LWML and Deborah Circle. She was also a member of Sparks Guild and Community Guild.

Murlene was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, her parents, and her sister, Linda Alexander. She is survived by her brother, Harold Nelson, her children Leigh Ann Fuller (Chuck) and Craig Cousins (Linda), her grandchildren Brooklyn Blankenship (Ben), Jackson Fuller (Caileigh), Savannah Verdier (Will), Chandler Fuller, Mason and Samuel Cousins, 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Lutheran Church 1115 N. D St. Fort Smith, AR 72901

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am Friday at First Lutheran Church with burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 5:00pm-7:00pm Thursday at Edwards Funeral Home 201 North 12th Street.

Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.