Marion Virginia Glenn

Marion Virginia (Holland) Glenn, a true steel magnolia full of grace and light, died on May 10, 2013 in Fort Smith, AR. Born in San Antonio, TX on July 24, 1932, she moved with her family to Saucier, MS at a very young age and was proud to call Mississippi her home. It was there that she met her soul mate in a dashing young Air Force officer, Ervin Lee Glenn. She and Ervin were married June 6, 1954 at Keesler Air Force Base chapel in Biloxi, MS. For 55 years they lived a life of fun and adventure together. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ervin Lee Glenn preceded her in death in 2010. Now they are dancing together in heaven. Marion is survived by her daughters Susan Byram of Fayetteville, AR; Ginger Wells and husband Dr. Steve Wells of Oklahoma City, OK; and Dr. Amy Plunkett and husband Don Plunkett of Ft. Smith, AR. She also survived by her brothers William C. Holland and wife Ila Ruth of Saucier, MS; Clifton J. Holland and wife Ann of Charlotte, NC; and her sister Carolyn (Holland) Bobinger and husband David of Saucier, MS; her sister-in-law Pauline (Glenn ) Stein of Hackett, AR and brother-in-law Thurman D. Glenn and wife Donna of Rockwall, TX. Nieces and nephews are David Holland and wife Karen, Danny Joe Holland, Cindy (Holland) Cochran and husband Steve, Lorraine (Holland) Williams and husband Mark, Beverly (Holland) Hergenreter and husband Rick, Jamie Holland and wife Denise, Leslie Holland, Jason Bobinger, Linda (Glenn) Campbell and husband Jack, Allen Glenn and wife Becky, Bobbie Jo (Barnes) Bar-David, Dr. Randall Glenn and wife Lisa, Debbie (Glenn) Arledge and husband Jeff, and Jeffrey Glenn and wife Stacey, as well as many great nieces and nephews and friends around the world. Marion was the much-loved Mema to her many grandchildren whom she treasured. Grandsons: Travis Byram and wife Nui, Kevin Byram, Daniel Byram, Bailey Wells, Levi Wells, Jordan Plunkett, Zachary Plunkett, Spencer Plunkett. Granddaughters: Jessica Byram, Darcy Wells, Hannah Wells, Addyson Plunkett. Great-grandsons Ethan Baer and Parker Baer. Three of Mema’s grandchildren were waiting for her in heaven: Benjamin Wells, Grant Plunkett and Reid Plunkett. Marion is also preceded in death by her parents William D. Holland, Jr. and Virginia Holland, her brother- in-law Dr. Clarence L. Glenn, sister-in-law Joy (Waters) Glenn, brother-in-law Tom Stein, nephews Bradford D. Glenn and Joseph D. Glenn, and great niece Hannah Joy Glenn. Marion’s generous life was spent in service to others. She embraced her role as a military wife, serving actively in the Officer’s Wives Club and volunteering with the Red Cross, the Girls Scouts of America and other charities for many years. Our mom taught us to believe in fairies and leprechauns as well as angels, instilling in us both the foundations of faith and an appreciation for life’s mysteries and magic. To her we owe our love of reading and passion for great storytelling. Her age did not define her. She drew her strength and wisdom from the old ones, but was youthful and fresh to the last. Her grandchildren enjoyed her lively card games, movie nights, and holiday celebrations. Everyone enjoyed sitting on her deck drinking one more cup of coffee, telling one more tale, laughing, and enjoying life in each moment. She put everyone’s needs above her own. She was our shelter from life’s storms, our strength, and our anchor-not only for her children and grandchildren but for all. Our family extends our deepest gratitude to Dr. Tony deMondesert, Dr. Darrel Eckes, Dr. Jan Kasal, Dr. Michael Coleman Jr., Dr. Taylor, Dr. Christopher Van Asche, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital ICU and Hospice for their compassionate care. Pallbearers will be Marion’s grandsons and nephew. Funeral service will be Tuesday, May 14 at 10am at First Baptist Church in Hackett with Pastor Joe Silva officiating with burial to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Hackett First Baptist Church or the Grant and Reid Plunkett Scholarship Foundation. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com