Marjorie Mae Burleson was born to Otis W. Punchard and Ira Killen Punchard on January 17, 1923 in Waco, Texas. She died at St. Joseph Manor on Sunday, September 23rd. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 59 years, Larry L. Burleson; and her brother, Otis William Punchard, Jr.
Marjorie was a fifth generation Texan who was reared on the farm founded by her great grandfather in 1834 at Mart, Texas. She was a 1940 graduate of Mart High School and received her degree from Baylor University in 1944 where she was a member of the First Families of Baylor University. She was a lifetime member of the Baptist church, first in Mart and later in Bryan, where she was a member of the Eunice Sunday School Class, First Baptist Bryan.
While her primary interests were her family and home, she taught Elementary School in Mexia, Wharton, and Bryan. She taught Sunday School and was active in the American Association of University Women, Texas A&M University Women’s Club, and the Texas A&M Extension Service Club. She supported the Rehabilitation Center, and volunteered for the Girls Club of Brazos County and the HOST Program with Bryan ISD. She was an expert seamstress and created beautiful handwork. Before entering St. Joseph Manor, she spent ten active years at Carriage Inn of Bryan.
Marjorie is survived by her son Lee and wife Sandy, of Bennett, CO; Melinda and husband John Box, of Bryan; one sister-in-law, Marianne Punchard of Waco, TX; grandchildren: Matthew Box and wife Chelsea, Robyn Glass and husband Andrew; Sarah Burleson; Stephanie Shinkle and husband Garrett; and great-grandchildren: Ian and Tate Box, Joel and Daniel Glass, and Harper Shinkle.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the CNA s and the nurses at St. Joseph Manor, Station One and to Hospice Brazos Valley, whose skilled and loving attendance enriched Marjorie’s last years.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM in Mart, TX on Friday, September 28th at the Mart Cemetery; Bill Wiman, Associate Pastor, First Baptist Bryan, will officiate. Following the service, family and friends will meet at First Baptist Mart, Family Life Center for a luncheon reception.
The family suggests that in place of flowers, memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 601 E. Texas Ave., Mart, TX. 76664; Hospice Brazos Valley; First Baptist Church, Bryan; or St. Jude Children’s Research Center.
