Marilyn Cissy Frances YArrell Lacy

Marilyn was born on the 25th of April 1926, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Sophie Anne Hasinstab, and Andrew Janius Yarrell. Her parents moved to West Texas for about three years and then settled in Dallas where she was raised.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, her brother John Andrew and his wife, Mildred, of Dallas, Texas. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Allen Kent “A.K.” Lacy; her two daughters, Melinda Miller Wilson and her husband Scott, and Julianne Kane and her husband Donald, all of Austin, Texas; grandson, Denver Shelby Miller and his wife Christine; and two great grand children, Anna Catherine and Maire Coirean Miller, of Rochester, New York; niece, Donna Yarrell of California, and nephew, John Yarrell of Austin; Allen’s brother, Alfred Lacy, and wife, Norma, of Gladewater, Texas and Allen’s half-brother Jack Lacy and family of Sugar Land and Damon Texas; and extended family Michelle and Tom Parker of Sugar Land, Texas.

Marilyn graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas, where she excelled both academically and socially having been elected to the National Honor Society, Cheer Leader and Most Popular Sophomore Girl.

She then matriculated to North Texas University in Denton where again she excelled. Among her many accomplishments were serving as president of the Speech Society and leader of many campus organizations including president of Kappa Theta Pi Sorority which was a local Sorority. She received a B.A. degree “WITH HONORS” IN Communication Activities in 1946.

One of her greatest joys was the 65-year relationship with seven of her best friends and sorority sisters who got together at least annually since 1946.

It was through college friends that she met Allen, an alumnus of North Texas U, and they were married in Denton after her graduation.

The couple lived in Dallas, Texas for seven years, where Mrs. Lacy taught in the Dallas School System.

Her school principal teased her as she was only 18 year old and old enough to teach but not vote. She also taught several years in the Houston Independent School District.

The family moved to Houston in 1955 and it was then that Marilyn began a new career and passion of watercolor painting. After studying under leading artists she began widely exhibiting her work and received many awards. Her paintings can be seen in many private collections. Marilyn was a Charter Member of the Watercolor Art Society - Houston, became very active serving on the Board and in other various volunteer roles, achieving the Elite Signature Status.

Marilyn and Allen enjoyed traveling and have visited more than 100 different Nations.

The family joined Westminster United Methodist Church in 1956 and it became one of her loves. She was a devoted and faithful worker, teacher and volunteer in various positions over many years.

The family is appreciative of the help and medical aid received from the staff and doctors of the Houston Medical Clinic and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Special thanks are expressed to her staff of home-care providers who were so patient, kind, gentle and loving during her illness, as well as the Hospice Crisis Team.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from half-past five o’clock in the afternoon until half-past seven o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 28th of April, at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 29th of April, at Westminster United Methodist Church, 5801 San Felipe in Houston, where Senior Pastor, Rev. Jeff Powers, is to officiate.

Honored to serve as casket bearers are Henry H. Woodley, Steve Woodley, Larry Woodley, Robert Tiller, Don Kane, Alf Lacy and Scott B. Wilson. Serving as honorary pallbearers during the service are Dennis Hurta, James LeRouax, Don Grubb, Dan DuBose, Dale Merriman, David Dean and Rod Dundas.

Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family and share remembrances during a reception to be held in the adjacent church parlor.

The graveside service and interment is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 2nd of May, at the Woodley Family Cemetery in Elysian Fields, Texas.

In lieu of customary remembrances the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Marilyn’s name be directed to Westminster United Methodist Church, 5801 San Felipe, Houston, TX, 77057; the Watercolor Art Society - Houston, 1601 W. Alabama, Houston, TX, 77006; or to the charity of one’s choice.