She was born Susanna Marie Just on August 11, 1932, in a tiny farmhouse in Clarkwood, Texas. Known by her middle name, Marie was the second daughter born to Herman Joseph Just and Annie Meuth Just, whose family farm remains with descendants in agricultural production today. Marie is survived by only one of her beloved six siblings.
Not long after graduating as high school salutatorian, Marie married John “Johnnie” L. Sablatura. They lost their first son, John Michael, in infancy, but raised two more sons and a daughter. Together, they created a life full of family gatherings, hunting, fishing, camping trips, church activities, Scouting, and 4-H Club. Marie always volunteered as Den Mother and 4-H Club leader. Tragically, Johnnie died in an auto accident in 1969. They had been married just over 18 years. For the first time, Marie reluctantly entered the workforce while still trying to raise her two teenagers and grade schooler.
Marie discovered love again in 1971 and married Brodus “Brode” E. Caffall, Sr. Brode did much to heal Marie’s young family. Brode restored Marie’s joy and spirit of adventure. Unfortunately, their happy marriage was cut short when Brode passed suddenly just over three years later.
Hard work and ingenuity had always been part of the farm life she knew growing up, so Marie started over again. Marie enrolled in Del Mar College in Corpus Christi and graduated at the top of her class as a dental hygienist the same day her youngest graduated from high school. Marie worked as a hygienist for more than 20 years in both Corpus Christi and San Antonio before retiring.
In truth, Marie could do most anything with her hands. Marie was a talented artist and an enthusiastic rockhound and birder. She polished stones and made jewelry. She was an expert, sought-after seamstress and could craft most anything out of wood. It was her abiding love for God and her commitment to prayer, though, that led her to Thomas J. Banta. A long-time prayer partner introduced Marie to her father, who was visiting from California. When Tom met Marie, he quickly moved to San Antonio, and they married in 1998. Tom and Marie had 11 happy years together traveling, pursuing their love of birds and rocks, doting on their grandchildren and great grandchildren, and enjoying life. Tom, a combat Army veteran, died in 2009.
Marie is survived by one sister, three children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, two brothers, three husbands, and her infant son.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 14, 2020 in the chapel of the Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas. A Reception will follow the service in the Southwestern at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio on Monday, November 16th, at 9 a.m. Services will be conducted by Blair McLeod, Marie’s long-time Sunday School teacher and friend.
To ensure the safety of the family and guests, we request that masks be worn at all times and social distancing be practiced.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the link below using the following instructions: Click other in designation and then indicate Common Thread on the comments box: https://discoverbcfs.net/donate/ . This is the Child Trafficking support organization that Marlene’s daughter, Chara, now heads up.
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