Marla Marie Nicholson

Marla Marie Nicholson, 55, passed away on September 29, 2024, in Oklahoma City, OK. A beloved evangelist, prophetess, and cosmetologist, Marla dedicated her life to faith, family, and uplifting her community through endless service.

Born on February 17, 1969, in San Bernardino, California, Marla was the cherished daughter of armed force veteran, Charlie Nicholson, and Aurora (Irene) Etten. She attended Warrington Elementary School in Pensacola, Eisenhower Middle School in Oklahoma City, and later graduated from John Marshall High School in 1987. She furthered her studies at Oscar Rose Junior College and later pursued a degree in cosmetology, where she discovered her passion for beauty and service.

A certified cosmetologist and instructor, Marla went on to found the Majestic Vocational Training Center, where she empowered students in their pursuit of beauty careers. Her impact as an evangelist and prophetess was equally profound, serving as a First Lady for much of her life and an appointed City Evangelist of Oklahoma City at the Church of the Living God in Oklahoma City. Marla’s ministry was driven by a deep desire to lead people to God, often referred to by her home pastor, Pastor Jones, as the “Weeping Daughter” for her passionate and prophetic prayers.

Marla married her devoted husband, Everett McLaurin, and was a loving mother to Aaron Daniels, Sarah Daniels, Justin Daniels, and Caleb McLaurin. She was a selfless giver with a nurturing spirit, known for feeding guests with her famous Filipino and Caribbean dishes. Marla’s love for music was evident in her joy of singing and karaoke. She spent her leisure winning local pool league championships, and relishing in her delight of Korean and Ethiopian cuisine. She held a special place in her heart for travel, dreaming of one day visiting the Philippines. A midnight prayer warrior, Marla found great solace in prayer and worship, and she was dedicated to supporting those in need.

Marla’s commitment to her community was unwavering. As a cosmetologist and instructor, she supported immigrants in their professional pursuits, and as a minister, she guided countless individuals in their spiritual journey to Christ. As a mother of three, she served as a home leader for Agape Christian Center, a ministry focused on helping their members achieve sobriety. Her generosity extended beyond the pulpit, as she was often the first to offer help, prayer, or a meal and makeover to those in need.

Marla’s legacy of love, artistry, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and laughter lives on through her husband, Everett McLaurin; her children, Aaron Daniels, Sarah Daniels, Justin Daniels, and Caleb McLaurin; her brother, Eduardo Nicholson; her stepfather, Robert Chapman; and her first and second cousins, Faye and Constance Stanfa. She also leaves behind a host of close family, friends and church family members whose lives she impacted profoundly.

She is preceded in death by her father, Charlie Nicholson, and her mother, Aurora (Irene) Chapman.

A celebration of Marla’s life will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Church of the Living God, 3520 N. Kelley Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73111. A reception will follow at Parlor OKC, 11 NE 6th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Friends and family are invited to come together in remembrance of a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. 

“Mahal kita. Sige na.” -Marla Marie Nicholson