Marilynn Elaine Henry

Marilynn Elaine Henry, 94, formerly of Nacogdoches, TX passed away peacefully on Dec 12, 2025, with her loved ones by her side.

She was born November 30, 1931 in Hatfield, Missouri. Her parents were David Lynn and Dorothy Faye Thompson. Marilynn grew up on the family farm. She lettered in volleyball and loved to roller skate. She also loved to sew and made most of her and her sister’s clothes based on department store fashion.

She met the love of her life – Don LeRoi Henry (passed away in 2023) – in dance class at Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU) in Maryville, Missouri. She married Don in 1952.

She planned to graduate from university and teach, but she postponed her education for Don to spend four years in the Air Force, and to raise three children – David (Christy) in Denton, Stephen in Nacogdoches and Gina in Nacogdoches. Marilynn graduated university with all of her children from NWMSU in 1977 (B.S. Elementary Education) and 1980 (M.S. Education).

In her early career she worked as an urban planner in St. Petersburg and Sanford, FL; Independence and Columbia, MO. She later changed her career to education and specialized in teaching children with learning difficulties in Maryville, MO and Nacogdoches, TX. Before retirement she was the Supervisor of Student Teachers at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Marilynn was dedicated to her children and to teaching. She strongly encouraged both David and Stephen to become Eagle Scouts and her children and grandchildren to complete bachelor and graduate degrees.

Marilynn is lovingly remembered by grandchildren Derek (Sherri), Sean (Shane), Kelsey (Paul), Taylor (Emily) and Amanda (Jake); and great-grandchildren Madelyn, Elizabeth, Cooper, Bridgette, Audrey, Conner, plus one new arrival in Spring 2026.

Marilynn was in assisted living in Nacogdoches and later in Denton, Texas. She had continually asked when she could go “home”. She is finally back “home” in Nacogdoches.

Her graveside funeral service will take place on Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 at 2pm at Sunset Cemetery, 5127 North St, Nacogdoches, TX. Her ceremony will be officiated by Pastor Noel of the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, Nacogdoches. All friends and family are welcome.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.