Marilyn Wilson

In Loving Memory

Waco, Texas – Marilyn (Meyers) Wilson, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on October 31, 2023. Born in Spokane, Washington, on December 21, 1951, she spent her formative years in the breathtaking mountains of western Montana. Growing up with her two sisters, Kathy and Shelley, Marilyn embarked on adventures in the small railroad towns of western Montana where her parents introduced them to the wonders of nature, which she passed on to future generations.

At a 4-H leadership conference, Marilyn met the love of her life, Lee Wilson, and the two were married on November 27, 1970. After graduating from Montana State University in 1973, Marilyn moved out of the shadows of the Rockies and embraced the ranching life with Lee and the Wilson family at the EB Ranch in Broadus, Montana. In 1974, they welcomed their daughter Leilani into the world, and their son Brandon completed their family in 1977.

Marilyn's life was marked by adventure and change. From Montana to Michigan to Texas, the Wilsons ultimately called Waco home for 40 years. Marilyn’s love of Christ was an essential part of her life, and she was a dedicated member of Highland Baptist Church, channeling her deep love for Jesus into helping those in need and spreading His message of love and compassion.

Marilyn's lifelong passion for photography, which she got from her dad, was another constant throughout her journey and left its mark, particularly her award-winning landscapes that captured the beauty of the world as she saw it. However, she did wreak havoc on her family by photographing every moment and ensuring that everyone in front of her lens wore a grin, even if they didn't want to.

Marilyn cherished the world's wonders, from butterflies and bugs to mountain meadows and African waterfalls. She loved a good road trip with Lee and the family, making annual pilgrimages to Montana and ultimately entertained as many grandkids as she could capture in the minivan. Marilyn and Lee also went further afield to Mexico, Venezuela, Turkey, and Zambia to visit Brandon’s family, which she added to her and Lee’s early European and North American travels.

As a mother for 49 years and a dedicated wife for 52, Marilyn extended her deep love to her six grandchildren: Rebekah, Daniel, Emma, Nathan, Charlotte, and Everleigh. She wholeheartedly embraced their interests, dropping everything to care for and enjoy them. Her commitment to family was evident when her parents moved to Texas in 1996 to be close to their devoted daughter.

She began her 30-year career as an educator teaching home economics but soon took on the role of a migrant family education coordinator for Central Texas and later an ESL coordinator at La Vega ISD. Marilyn’s dedication knew no bounds as she fought ardently to provide these students with every opportunity to achieve the American dream, witnessing many of them graduate from university. However, few knew about one of her earliest career forays as a radio station disc jockey.

In remembering Marilyn Wilson, we celebrate a life of love, faith, and unwavering dedication to her family, her faith, and her community. Her memory will continue to inspire us to explore, love deeply, and ask questions that challenge and enlighten.

She is survived by her husband, Lee; daughter, Leilani Prince (Paul); son, Brandon Wilson (Sherri); mother, Ellen Meyers; sisters: Kathleen Case (Warren) and Shelley Meyers; mother-in-law, Phyllis Wilson, and 6 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Meyers and father-in-law J.L. Wilson.

In loving memory, funeral services will be at 11a.m., Monday, November 13 at Oak Crest Funeral Home with burial to follow at Moore Cemetery in Chalk Bluff, where she will be laid to rest near her dad. Visitation will be from 10-11a.m., prior to the service.

Pallbearers are Brandon Wilson, Paul Prince, Daniel Prince, Nathan Wilson, Mike Shumacher, and Doyle Glenn. Honorary pallbearers are Warren Case, Dick Wilson, Jim Lorenz, Gary Struth, and Gary Adams.