Marie Rawlings

Marie was born on July 11, 1926 in Meridian, Mississippi. She attended Meridian schools. On January 11, 1944, Marie married her high school sweetheart Billie George Rawlings. Soon after they moved to Hertford, NC, where Billie was stationed at Harvey Point Navy Base during World War II. They also lived in Oceanside, CA, where Billie was stationed at Camp Pendleton during the Korean War. They then moved home to Meridian where they raised their family. The two enjoyed 66 happy years of marriage. Their favorite things in life were spending time with family, travelling, watching football and serving at their church.

Marie was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Meridian. She was the church secretary in the mid-1950s. She served on the Altar Guild and later served as a Lay Reader and Chalice Bearer. One of the great Southern cooks, she contributed delicious baked goods to church events for decades. Everyone especially loved her famous pecan pies.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband Billie. She is survived by her dear, loving brother Harold A. Shirley, of Rock Hill, SC. She is also survived by her daughter Dianne Wilbur of Austin, TX and husband Fred; her son Leonard Rawlings, Sr. of Starkville, MS and wife Betty; her grandchildren Lisa, Lexi, Chad, Lindy, and Breland; her great-grandchildren Evan Gregory, Grayson Frederick, Ella Marie, Naomi Catherine, Heather Aileen, Olivia Marie, and Andrew Parker.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the caring staff of The Pavilion at Great Hills, especially Crystal, Yolanda, Amily, Linn, Anna, Norma and Susie. Each of them gave her love and caring from the heart. The family would also like to thank the staff of Hearthstone Health Center in Round Rock, especially Shanika, Amber and Ashley.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 1:30p.m. with reception to follow. It will be held at St. Luke’s on the Lake Episcopal Church in Austin, TX with the Rev. Parker Jameson and the Rev. Roland Timberlake officiating. At a later date, a columbarium interment will be performed at her church in Meridian. Memorials may be given in Marie’s name to the Church of the Mediator or the charity of your choice.