Marlene Edwards

Marlene Collins Edwards was born in Johnson City, Texas on May 9, 1934 to parents Ollie and Anna Collins. She passed away peacefully in Bryan, Texas on July 7 at the age of 89, and follows her beloved husband Jim who passed in February 2022.

Marlene graduated from Johnson City High School, where she and her future husband Jim were the homecoming queen and king. They met in 8th grade, graduated together, and married after he returned from serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in France in the army. Marlene worked at the Pedernales Electric Coop in Johnson City for several years before getting married.

After getting married, Jim attended Texas A&M while Marlene took care of the family, which grew to include two sons and a daughter. She always made dinner and took the kids to their many sports and cultural activities as they were growing up. Marlene always made time to play games with the kids, and the family continued to enjoy games into adulthood. She always loved having plants in the house, and developed an avid interest in orchids. She was an active member of the Orchid Society, and enjoyed keeping a number of species in her greenhouse, bringing them indoors when they bloomed. She also volunteered at Crestview retirement home, particularly in the gift shop, for many years, and was active at the Methodist church.

Marlene was always a big supporter of the Aggies. She began working on campus in the Biochemistry Department once the boys left for college, and enjoyed being around students. When her daughter went to Texas A&M, Marlene became active in the A&M Mother’s Club.

After retirement, Marlene and Jim enjoyed traveling around Texas and surrounding states, and they returned to Johnson City in their retirement years. They loved spending time at the land on the Pedernales River.

Marlene is survived by her son Darrell Edwards and his wife Yvonne; son Ron Edwards and his wife Pam; and daughter Valerie Edwards; grandchildren Ryan and Traci; and siblings Harvey (Butch) Crofts and Kathy Kent.