Elizabeth Marie Solaris

With heavy hearts, profound love, and deep gratitude for a life that left an unforgettable mark on all who knew her, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Elizabeth Marie Solaris (White), on October 15, 2026, at the age of 78.

Marie was born on March 23, 1948, in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Charles and Mary Evelyn White. She grew up in the small town of Norman, Arkansas, a close-knit community of roughly 300 people, alongside her younger siblings, Charletta, Patty, LeVerne, Buddy, Eunice, Lorie Faye, and Barbara.

As the oldest of eight children, Marie learned responsibility early in life, helping care for her younger brother and sisters. Those early years helped shape the woman she would become—resourceful, resilient, independent, and fiercely devoted to family. Even as a young girl, she had a spirited personality and a love for sports, especially volleyball and baseball. She wasn’t afraid to compete.

But perhaps the most remarkable part of Marie’s childhood was that, without knowing it, she had already met the boy who would become the love of her life.

When Marie was just four years old, she would play near a neighbor’s water well with a little boy named Steve. Like many childhood friendships, theirs was filled with teasing, laughter, and playful mischief. Steve, however, knew something even then. At just four years old, he had already taken a liking to that funny little girl next door.

Years later, that childhood affection grew into something much greater. On their first date, Steven took Marie to a drive-in movie. He was captivated by her humor, her silliness and the spark that made her unmistakably Marie.

Their love story took a wonderfully spontaneous turn when they wed on August 25th, 1968. It was a beginning as spirited and unconventional as the young couple themselves—a love story that had begun beside a small-town water well and would grow into a lifetime of shared memories, sacrifices, laughter, and family.

Throughout her life, she wore many hats: homemaker, wonderful cook, shoemaker, sales clerk, insurance company support worker. Whatever the job or responsibility, Marie did what needed to be done. Yet of all the roles she held, none meant more to her than being a mother.

Marie was the proud mother of three sons—Brett, Derek, and Chad. Raising her boys was not simply something she did; it was at the center of who she was. She worked tirelessly to provide them with a home that was clean, welcoming, and filled with the comforting smell of good food. There were meals to prepare, clothes to wash, messes to clean, and three boys to keep in line. And if anyone could keep up with three boys, it was Marie. She expressed her love not only through words, but through the countless everyday things that make a house a home.

And Marie certainly had her favorites.

She had a special place in her heart for Elvis Presley, a love for the excitement of NASCAR and an appreciation for country music. Her interests were as lively and unmistakable as her personality. Whether she was cheering for a favorite or laughing at something funny, Marie brought her own unmistakable energy to everything she enjoyed.

Life brought its share of hardships, and Marie knew what it meant to struggle, sacrifice, and persevere. Yet those experiences did not diminish her spirit. They helped shape the lessons she would leave with her family: Stand up for what you believe in. Never allow others to take away your dignity. Demand respect, give love wholeheartedly, and never hesitate to defend the people who matter most.

Marie leaves behind her beloved husband, Steve; her two sons, Brett and his wife, Veronica, and Chad, her youngest son; her cherished granddaughters, Keri, Taylor, and Peyton; great-granddaughters, RaeLynn, Paisley and Lainey; and six siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Mary Evelyn; sister Patty; son Derek; and daughter-in-law Kim. She also leaves behind a lifetime of memories shared with family and friends whose lives were touched by her presence.

We will miss her playful teasing and the comfort of knowing she was always in our corner. We will miss the meals, the stories and the laughter. Most of all, we will miss her.

Although her earthly journey has come to an end, the fire of her spirit will continue to burn in the hearts of those she loved. Rest peacefully, Mom. You fought your battles, you loved your family, and you lived life on your own terms. We will carry your strength, your laughter, and your love with us—always.