Marilyn Anderson Smith

Marilyn’s childhood years were spent in San Augustine, Texas, where she grew up surrounded by her loving parents, grandparents, and two adoring older brothers. She fondly remembered riding horses and playing Pony Express with her horse, Babe, in the pastures that bordered her family’s home. The town and people of San Augustine held a special place in her heart, long after she had moved away.

It was in San Augustine that she met and married the love of her life, Donald Smith, on June 20, 1959. They celebrated fifty-nine years of marriage before his passing in 2018. Donald and Marilyn moved to the Gulf Coast area after their wedding, and Marilyn finished her college degree at the University of Houston. The couple made their home in Baytown, Texas, and Marilyn began her teaching career at Cedar Bayou Junior High. Baytown was the place that Marilyn and Donald reared their two girls, Donna and Deanne. Marilyn was an avid supporter of the Robert E. Lee Ganders, and she loved Friday night football games and watching her girls march in the Brigadiers.

Teaching was more than a job to Marilyn. She was a devoted employee, and she spent her entire career at the same school. She served on many committees over her years as an educator, and she was passionate about her career and the lives of her students. At Cedar Bayou, Marilyn met lifelong friends who remained her friends until her passing. After her retirement, Marilyn continued to educate others by tutoring at the Sterling Municipal Library and volunteering at her grandchildrens' schools.

Faith and family were extremely important to Marilyn. She joined Memorial Baptist Church when she moved to Baytown, and she loved her church family. She taught Sunday school and served in several volunteer capacities at her church. Marilyn was happiest when surrounded by her family. She was a dedicated daughter and sister who orchestrated the holiday get-togethers in San Augustine. As her own family grew, she created a home where her children’s friends were always welcome. Her home was carefully decorated and immaculate. She took great pride in the fact that she was always able to clean and maintain her own home.

Being a “Mimi” was one of Marilyn’s greatest joys in life. She loved to say that “it took a village” to rear the four grandchildren, and she was happy to be a part of that village. Her grandchildren always knew that they could call Mimi if they needed something brought to the school during the school day. She attended all of their games and activities and lovingly cared for them when they were sick. The grandchildren loved going to Mimi’s and Pop’s house, and Mimi always had activities planned to keep them busy. She was extremely proud to see all four of the grandchildren graduate from college, and she followed LSU, Oklahoma State, and Ole Miss football even after all of the grandchildren had graduated.

Marilyn loved to travel. When her children were younger, she and Donald bought a small camper, and the family made trips to Colorado, Washington D.C., and the Smokey Mountains. Marilyn prepared song books so that the family could sing along in the car on these long road trips. She made sure that these camping trips were educational and that they included historical stops along the way. Her niece, Shari Akin, accompanied the family on many of these trips and fondly remembers the adventures. Later in life, she and Donald loved traveling with Elderhostel. Marilyn was very happy that she was able to visit Israel and Petra with her daughters and sister-in-law in 2020.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, her brothers, Bobby and Glenn, and her beloved husband, Donald. She is survived by her daughters Donna OBrien (David) and Deanne Moore (Russell). Left to mourn her passing are her four grandchildren Reagan Goza (Calvin), Sydni Burns (Drew), Madison Malaschak (Scott), and Tillman OBrien (fiance, Rachel Ross). Five great-grandchildren, Marshall Goza, Smith Burns, Mabry Goza, George Burns, and McKenna Malaschak carry on her legacy. Marilyn is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and her sister-in-law, Lou Anderson. Her niece, Shari Akin, will miss their long phone calls and special relationship.

The family wishes to thank Eleanor Crockram for being a friend and caregiver to Marilyn. Another special thank you goes out to Marissa Franklin and the staff of Faithbridge Caregivers for providing compassionate care this past year. The family also sends a heartfelt “thank you” to Marilyn’s neighbor and friend, Carolyn Smith.

A private family remembrance will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Memorial Baptist Church or Lee College will honor Marilyn’s memory.