With heavy hearts, we celebrate the life of a woman who was truly one of a kind.

She wasn't just a mother—she was everybody's mom. If you ever found yourself at her house, chances are you were fed, loved on, and probably told exactly what you needed to hear (whether you liked it or not). She had a way of turning strangers into friends and friends into family in about five minutes flat.

Born with a fiery spirit and a stubborn streak that could rival a Texas summer, she lived life her way—loud, bold, and unapologetically. Back in her younger days, she even mud wrestled in Texas, which should tell you everything you need to know about her grit and sense of humor. She was a spitfire through and through, a self-proclaimed "banty rooster," and proud of it.

She never met a person she didn't like—and more impressively, never met a person who didn't like her right back. Her laugh was contagious, her opinions were strong, and her love was even stronger. She was as vivacious as they come—so full of energy that people often said they wished they could bottle it up.

And in true fashion, she gave us one last hoorah. When it came time for her final ride, the funeral director admitted it was the most trouble he had ever had getting someone into the hearse—something he said never happens. Even then, she had a little fight left in her. Feisty to the very end, just as we all knew she would be.

She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, fierce loyalty, and a whole community of people who were lucky enough to call her "Mom," even if they weren't technically hers.

If she were here, she'd probably tell us not to fuss too much—but to make sure there's good food, good stories, and maybe a little mischief in her honor.

And so, we will.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never, ever forgotten.

A service to Celebrate Marilyn's life will be held Saturday, April 04, 2026, at 4:00pm at Allison Memorial Chapel