Marilyn Lanaire Allen, 80, of New Braunfels passed away Thursday March 1, 2018 at Kirkwood Manor. She was born to Roy Lee Williams and Lorine S. (Nolte) Williams Engel in Luling, Texas on June 26, 1937.
She had a full time job raising five children and often cared for nieces and nephews. She dearly loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was very dedicated to her seasonal work at the New Braunfels Smokehouse Plant for many years.
In Marilyn's earlier days she was an Aquadette and was part of the Aquacade synchronized swim team at Landa Park. She passed on her love of swimming to her children and grandchildren and taught many of them to swim on frequent outings at Landa Park.
She had a life long love of music and was frequently requested to sing at area jamborees. Marilyn and Johney loved singing and playing guitar for the residents at nursing homes. They also enjoyed traveling together.
Marilyn had a passion for geneology and would travel to local and distant churches, libraries, cemetaries, and county archives to compile complete family histories. She loved and collected local and Texas history books along with many antiques.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Johney Ray Allen,Sr., her parents and step-father Melvin Engel; sister Shirley Williams and brother Roy Eugene Williams.
She is survived by her five children, Claudette Marie McDonald (Bobbie), Johney Allen, Jr. (Karen), Jimmy Allen (Karla), Debra Canham (Mike), Joe Allen (Susie). Grandchildren: Michelle, Lisa, Bobbie, Angela, Zachary, Matthew, Barry, Kurtis, Greg, Shaulyn, Jessica, Ryan, and 22 great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sister Betty Dietz (Cliff), and brothers Edward Williams, Freddie Engel (Ella), David Engel (Monica), Dennis Engel (Jeannine); Sister-in-laws Alice Williams, Beatrice Yeats, Vida “Red” Whitaker (Bill), Peggy Franklin, and also her lifelong friend Ida McGlothlin.
We would like to thank the nurses and staff of Kirkwood Manor and Hope Hospice of New Braunfels.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 4, 2018 from 3-6 pm at Zoeller Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018 at 1 pm at Zoeller’s. Interment will immediately follow at Kingsbury Cemetery in Kingsbury, TX. Reception to follow at Comal County Fair Ground Events Hall, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions can be made to Hope Hospice of New Braunfels.