Marlynn Theuer Burgess

Marlynn Ruth Theuer Burgess passed unexpectedly into the arms of our Lord on July 4, 2023, with her son Brandon Irwin Burgess and her husband of twelve years, John Michael Garcia by her side. Born October 23, 1956, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa, to Donald Arthur Theuer and Lilburne Ruth Theuer, Marlynn and family returned to the U.S. where they lived in Detroit and other cities before settling in Nashville, Tennessee. Marlynn graduated from Hillsboro Comp High School in Nashville in 1974 and then attended and graduated from O’More College of Architecture & Design at Belmont University, also in Nashville, in 1979, where she received a degree in Interior Design. During high school she was active in the choir and while at Belmont, was part of the Belmont Singers. Marlynn also enjoyed gymnastics and drawing houses, as her parents built multiple new homes while she grew up in Nashville. She was also active in the United Methodist Church youth groups during her high school and collegiate years.

In 1983, she married Christopher Irwin Burgess in Nashville, with whom she had a son, the pride of her life, Brandon Irwin Burgess, her only child. During their marriage Chris introduced her to scuba diving, the hobby that became her passion for life. Marlynn traveled the Caribbean diving, her favorite dive spot being the Cayman Islands. With her Interior Design Degree, a fearless determination, a friendly, outgoing personality, and a unique talent for sales, Marlynn worked as a commercial office furniture salesperson in Nashville and led the Nashville chapter of the IIDA.

On leaving Nashville in 1993, Marlynn moved to Texas, first settling in Frisco, where she served on the Building Committee for the Grace Avenue United Methodist Church helping find it a permanent home. In 1993 Marlynn also began her career at Knoll, Inc. selling commercial office furniture, where through her sales talent, she won multiple awards. During her time at Knoll, she also moved to Dallas. After leaving Knoll, she started her own company, Winston Abbey Pet Sitting and Dog Walking. Her love for dogs being instilled in her at an early age by her father, who brought a stray dog home after serving in the Air Force in Germany. Winston Abbey was inspired by her love for all things English, having met the Queen in Freetown when she was 4 years old, and her English Bulldogs Winston I and Winston II. She loved English Bulldogs because of the Knoll “Bulldog” chair, and named her first English Bulldog Misty Lou.

On April 9, 2011, she married John Michael Garcia with whom she loved to travel, listen to Americana music, watch football, scuba dive, go to Robert Earl Keen concerts and dance. John loved her wonderful, delightful personality and was smitten and captivated by her smile that lit up whatever room she entered.

Marlynn is survived by her husband, John Michael Garcia, her son, Brandon Irwin Burgess, his wife Allyson Stark Burgess, her mother Lilburne Theuer Senn, and her beloved companion Winston II.

A memorial service will be held at Cox Chapel at Highland Park United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. on July 29, 2023, with a reception celebrating her life immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers, per Marlynn’s wishes, the family asks that donations are made in Marlynn’s memory to Dallas Pets Alive.