Marilyn Sue Southard

Marilyn was born in Pevely, Missouri September 2, 1937. She was raised in a loving home in Riverside surrounded by her mother, grandparents, and uncles. She graduated from Herculaneum High School in 1955. While in high school Marilyn received several honors, but the one of which she was the proudest was being named “Best Female Athlete” in her graduating class.

Marilyn met Robert “Bob” Southard in 1955. They were married in 1956 and lived in Festus, Missouri for several years where they began raising their three children. In 1970, the family moved to Houston, Texas. Marilyn was the ultimate stay at home mom and never missed any of her children’s sporting events, band concerts, or school performances. She made each of her children feel loved and supported while she continued to help Bob in his business ventures.

In 1976, Marilyn and Bob settled in the April Sound Community in Montgomery, Texas. They led active and enjoyable lives on the tennis courts, the golf course, traveling with friends, playing with grandchildren, and serving as founding members of the April Sound Church. As Bob served as the church’s first minister, Marilyn was his quiet and steady support. After Bob’s passing in 2003, Marilyn lived most of her remaining years in the Katy, Texas area enjoying friends, family and her two dogs, Clarence and Penelope.

Marilyn (Neenee) will be remembered for her easy smile, sharp wit, unwavering faith, and love of family. She was a devoted grandmother and great grandmother who specialized in making birthdays extra special and Christmas time magical. She was always present for her loved ones.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Southard; mother, Mildred Huddleston; brother, Wallace Huddleston; and sisters, Betty Marler and Alice Reed. She is survived by her son, Michael Southard and his wife Joy; daughters, Mary Baugh and Anne Southard; grandchildren, Shannon Younger and her husband Drew, Patrick Southard and his wife Mariella, Emily Bond and her husband Lee, Lauren Freeman and her husband Ron, and Zachary Southard and his wife Melissa. Marilyn leaves behind six great grandchildren that she adored: Ronnie Freeman, Logan Younger, Mark Freeman, William Bond, Hannah Younger, and Ellis Bond.

The family would like to express its thanks to all the friends, colleagues, and caregivers that helped us throughout Mom’s journey.

Services for Marilyn will be held at April Sound Church in Montgomery, Texas on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00am. A reception at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, we asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.