Mildred "Gwen" Marshall

Mildred Gwendolyn Flores Marshall, our Memaw, left us on May 25, 2011; She conquered many health issues and defied all odds. We know that she could feel the love with many of us by her side as she slipped peacefully away to the next big adventure.

Gwen was born in Natichitoches, Louisiana on March 6, 1941, and grew up in Leesville, Louisiana, right down the street from Bill, her soul mate, and the man she married and shared a 52 year-long love affair.

Although, this is the end of an era, life in the AM (after memaw) will be different but with the love and compassion that she shared with us it will still be peaceful.. We are so lucky to have been able to share so much time so close to such a wonderful person. We never heard a negative word from Memaw, not one. If more people had the positive attitude, kind heart, and will to live life to the best of their ability, like Memaw had, the world would be a much better place. Memaw will always mean so much to us but the fact that there are so many people outside of our family that think that she is the nicest person in the world makes us even more proud. She is an example of patience and kindness that we will forever carry in our heart’s. We know she is dancing with Papaw, or maybe practicing karate on him in heaven!

What will we miss most about Memaw? We’ll miss her soft enveloping hugs and her gentle pats assuring us that even on our darkest days there is always hope that tomorrow will be better.

Gwen joined in heaven her parents Lee and Mildred Flores, and the love of her life, her husband Bill. She is survived by her beloved sister Cindy Johnson , who was Gwen’s anchor, cheering her on as she made her difficult life’s journey; and her brother Joe Lee Flores, who gave his kidney so we could all have Memaw another 30 years; her children Robert Earl Marshall, Tina Marie and Brian Mercer, Lisa Ann and John Crow, and Kimberly Dawn and Maury Strausman.

Her grandchildren Christina Crow Gore and husband Ryan, Ashley Crow Patterson and husband Dustin, Kyle Vines, Karmon Vines, Kol Strausman, Taylor Marshall Alvarado and husband Jacob, Shelby Marshall, Montanna Mercer, and her very special friend Madison Mercer. Her great–grandchildren Mason and Austin Patterson, and Nolan Emmels.

And, by those who were devoted to her, loved her, and were mothered by her: Sammy Halphen and her caretakers Carolyn Collins and Miriam Higginbotham.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday May 27 at Hill Crest Funeral Home in Haughton.

A celebration of Gwen’s life will be Saturday May 28 at 4:00 at Benton United Methodist Church at 4615 Palmetto Road followed by interment at Hill Crest Cemetery in Haughton. Pallbearers will be John Crow, Brian Mercer, Maury Strausman, Joe Flores, Peter Goetz, Ryan Gore, Raymond Johnson, and Paul Vines. Honorary Pallbearers Dustin Patterson, Kyle Vines, and Jacob Alvarado.

Remember, to live the ‘after memaw’ life like she lived her own.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com

Hill Crest Funeral Home

318-949-9415