Marilyn Jackson

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Marilyn Simpson Jackson , 74, of Waco, Texas, went to be with the Lord on the morning of Thursday, April 11, 2024, at her home with the love of her life by her side. Her life will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:00am, at Renew Church in Waco.

Marilyn was born in Waco on August 14, 1949 to Frank and Gladys Simpson. She grew up in South Waco, attending Bell’s Hill Elementary and University Middle. At University High School, Marilyn served as captain of the 94-member Highlighters Drill Team. She continued to lead, organizing many reunions for the class of 1967. Marilyn went on to earn an associates degree and work for Waco I.S.D. and KCEN. She then spent 15 years of her career as an administrative assistant in the trust department at Wells Fargo Bank followed by 10 years at the office of Pattillo, Brown and Hill, CPA.

In 1982 at the Heart of Texas Fair, Marilyn was introduced by a mutual friend to Mike Jackson. Marilyn and Mike would have celebrated 40 years of marriage in September. Marilyn’s daughters, Kristen and Allison Curbo plus Mike’s son, Richard Jackson, would fill the backseat of their Buick for fun-filled family road trips across the country. Many fine memories were made and Marilyn honed her gift of extraordinary patience.

Marilyn lived life to the fullest. After retiring in 2013, she and Mike began to tackle their bucket list of experiences and travel. They cruised around Alaska, hiked national parks and hula danced in Hawaii, parasailing and zip lining their way through their dream destinations, a slight upgrade from the Buick. Marilyn loved spending time outdoors, cultivating the garden, watching in wonder as caterpillars grew into butterflies. She enjoyed sunset happy hours spent on the back patio with her dog, Lucky, as George Strait played on the stereo. With a glass of white wine or tea (no ice, 2 Splendas), Marilyn caught up with friends and shared with them details of her latest adventure and what the kids were up to that week.

Marilyn was a hugger, a face-kisser, a close-talker, and never met a stranger. She attended Renew Church and treasured the friendships and fellowship formed in the Forum community group. She had a heart for service and was always quick to volunteer and lend a hand. Marilyn’s determination was proportionate to her optimism and no task was too big to handle. Her sweet spirit inspired those around her.

By far, Marilyn’s greatest joy in life was her 8 grandkids. Lovingly known as “Nonny,” she treasured spending time with family. Marilyn rarely missed a sporting event, performance or awards ceremony. Her walls and shelves are proudly adorned with photos of “her babies.” Many fall Saturdays were spent tailgating in College Station, which became a hub for gatherings in her family of Aggies. Nonny dedicated her life to living and loving well.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Frank Simpson; mother, Gladys Simpson; father-in-law, Jim Jackson; mother-in-law, Rachel Jackson; and her best friend, Jackie Puckett. She is survived by her husband, Mike Jackson; brother, Kenny Simpson; sister-in-law, Barbara Simpson; sister-in-law, Becki Weems; brother-in-law, Ken Weems; daughter, Kristen Curbo; step-son, Richard Jackson; daughter-in-law, Shelley Jackson; daughter, Allison Curbo Laird; son-in-law, Matt Laird; and 8 grandchildren, Ford and Austyn Laird, Will, Aubrey, and Callum Jackson, and Tyler, Jackson, and Kenzie Zander. Marilyn will be greatly missed by many “adopted children” and countless friends that she treated like family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shepherd’s Heart or Caritas, where Marilyn served many years and helped feed families.