Marilyn Luella Fortenberry

Marilyn was born on October 19, 1940, in Harlingen, Texas. She graduated from San Benito High School and continued her education at Kingsville College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education.

While teaching in Houston, Marilyn met the love of her life, Jimmy Fortenberry. They married in 1964, and together raised two daughters. Marilyn was a dedicated teacher with Spring Branch ISD, where she taught at Edgewood elementary in multiple grade levels and touched the lives of countless students over her career.

She was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority of Houston, where she developed many lifelong friendships. Marilyn was also a devoted member of the Methodist Church in Cypress, where she was instrumental in launching the Gathering program to support families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Some of Marilyn’s favorite pastimes included shopping—especially for Hallmark ornaments—visiting the beach, reading, and cherishing time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy Fortenberry; her parents, Glenn and Marion McCord; her in-laws, R.A. and Alma Fortenberry; her sister, Virginia Richardson of California; her sister and brother-in-law, Gwendolyn and Johnny Rollins of San Antonio.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Parker and Michelle (husband Edward Kopecky); and by her cherished grandchildren: Trey (Kim) Kopecky, Kevin (Cori) Kopecky, Colleen Kopecky, Alexander Fortenberry, Kyle Kopecky, Hunter Kopecky, Christopher Kopecky, Bryce Kopecky, and Ireland Kopecky. She also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren, three adored nieces and one nephew: Debbie (Wade) Norman, Darryl Rollins, Terri (Terry) Parker, and Kim Rollins; as well as six great-nieces and nephews, five great-great nieces and nephews, and two great-great-great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at:

Brookside Funeral Home 9149 Hwy 6 N. Houston, TX 77095 281-345-6061

· Visitation: 9:40 AM – 10:00 AM

· Service: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

· Reception Lunch: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Burial: Colmesneil Graveside Burial 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM

Marilyn’s legacy of love, laughter, and service will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation: 1. The Alzhiemer’s association https://www.alz.org/texas 2. The Fairhaven Food Pantry: https://www.chapelwood.org/fairhaven/fair-haven-food-pantry/