Mary Marjorie Baxter

Mary Marjorie Baxter passed away on May 11, 2021, in Odessa, Texas. She was born on April 25, 1923, in Bonham Texas, to Maurice and Helen Miller. She was the oldest of three daughters, and she described their idyllic childhood spent on a farm near Farmington, Texas. She began school in a one room schoolhouse and completed her education, graduating from Howe High School in 1940. She attended The University of North Texas where she met her future husband William (Bill) Baxter. They were married on October 29, 1945, after his discharge from the army. They moved to Odessa in 1951 after Bill’s graduation from The University of Texas Dental School and at the suggestion of Dr. H. E. Hestand, Bill’s cousin. Together they raised a growing family and built a successful dental practice. Margie was an active member of First Christian Church and Christian Women’s Fellowship for almost 70 years. She was also active in various civic organizations, serving as president of Odessa Mothers Club. She was an avid bridge player but expanded her love of cards to include all kinds of games, which she played with enthusiasm until just a couple of years ago. Though her mother was a painter of some renown, Margie expressed her artistic talent in beautiful stained glass, her many quilts, and her crocheted baby blankets and afghans. She loved to cook and shared brownies and cookies with friends, neighbors, and anyone whom she felt needed to be loved a little extra. She was known for her kindness and generosity. She was ready to begin a new chapter of her life when she moved to Parks Senior Living eight years ago where she made new friends and entered into new activities with her usual optimism and enthusiasm.

Margie is survived by three children: Susie Pease (Jim) of Pineville, Louisiana, William J. Baxter (Toni) of Bremond, Texas, and Jan Dreasher (Max) of Shallowater, Texas; seven grandchildren: Jan Greer (Erich), Amy Stewart (Scott), Will Baxter, Paul Baxter (Kendra), Pat Baxter (Cassie), Max Dreasher, Melonie Brown; sixteen great grandchildren; her sister Linda Peter of Bay City, Texas, and four nieces and two nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home, 602 N Alleghaney Ave, on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 2 PM followed by a private burial. Memorials may be sent to Connections Christian Church, 4241 Tanglewood Lane, Odessa, Texas 79762 and Heart to Heart Hospice, 223 W. Wall St. Suite #220, Midland, Texas 79701.