Marilyn Elaine Adamson

Marilyn Elaine Prichard was born in Toronto, Kansas, on May 24, 1932. In 1951, she married a hometown soldier boy, Emmet G. Adamson. A couple of years later, they journeyed from Kansas to the wilds of West Texas, dog and baby in tow. Marilyn embodied the true spirit of the American pioneer as a young mother living in an oil field camp on the Midkiff ranch, where she raised her baby boy amongst the rattlesnakes and tumbleweeds. Emmet’s work took him out to the rigs for days at a time, so when their second baby was ready to arrive, Marilyn drove herself to the hospital in Odessa, dropped off her 3 year old son at a friend’s house, all while in active labor. She always insisted that she drove the speed limit the whole way because she didn’t want to get in trouble with the law. (She didn’t have a driver’s license at that time!)

After planting themselves for good in Midland, Marilyn and Emmet joined the fledgling St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. They remained pillars of that community for decades and gave and received so much love there, as did their children and grandchildren. She taught Sunday School, Bible School, was on the Missions Committee and was a member of the United Methodist Women. Needless to say, she loved her church family.

Marilyn raised three of her own children and was mother to two grandchildren; she put together numerous Halloween costumes, sewed gorgeous Easter and prom dresses, and made the best chicken and noodles. When her two daughters were young, she made their play clothes from beautifully printed flower sacks her mother-in-law would send from Kansas. Her home was the site of countless family gatherings for birthdays and holidays. Many fond memories of those gatherings give us solace.

After Emmet’s passing, Marilyn took up painting ceramic figurines and spent time with cherished friends. She continued to be a source of love and strength to her family until her passing, even through her cancer diagnoses. Her legacy continues on in the family she nurtured.

Marilyn is survived by her son, Glenn Adamson, of Midland; daughter, Pam Mancha, of Midland; granddaughters Amanda Danley (Todd), of Seminole, and April Graham (Stephen), of Lubbock; grandsons Matthew Mancha (Carrie-Anne), of Midland, Jon Adamson (Jodi), of Longmont, Colorado, and Aaron Burrell, of New Braunfels; and numerous great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Emmet Adamson, her daughter Janet Adamson, and daughter-in-law Rhonda Adamson.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Vikram Vadyala and Dr. Rebecca James for their wonderful care of our Mother. Also, a heartfelt thank you to her caregivers Martha Ramirez and Laura Castillo for their loving care, and to Gentiva Hospice, all of whom made it easier for us knowing they showed Mom love, kindness and tenderness while caring for her.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, December 27, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at Life Fellowship with Pastor Wade Cobb officiating. Graveside committal will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Jon Adamson, Matthew Mancha, Aaron Burrell, Todd Danley, Stephen Graham and Jason Gould will serve as pallbearers.