Marian Williams, 94, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away on October 29, 2026. She was born on December 30, 1931, to Richard and Martha (Blunt) Best in Fort Worth, Texas. She attended Fort Worth schools, and she graduated from Arlington Heights High School. After graduation she attended Texas Technological College where she met her future husband Donald D. Williams.
Marian and Don married in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 16, 1951. They had three daughters, Peggy, Susie, and Betty. Marian was a devoted wife and mother, and she and the girls would pack and move many times as Don coached high school football and later became a school administrator. They lived in a number of places, including Dallas, Littlefield, Andrews, Plainview, Odessa, Vernon, Texline, and Dalhart. After Don’s retirement, they moved to Lubbock. Marian would often share that she had lived in thirty-seven houses, but wherever they went, she always made their house a home. After her daughters married and the family grew, she found out the joy of being a grandmother. Known as Nonnie to her grandchildren, she and their Papau would earn extra credit by taking them on fun trips to the mountains or on back-to-school shopping trips. Through the years, Marian occasionally worked outside the home. As well as working for the schools, she was able to use her innate financial ability to work for Dalhart Federal Savings and Loan. Marian loved family, friends, and laughter. She was loving, generous, supportive, and wise. She was known for many things, but all agree that nothing could beat the delicious pecan pies she would make for a family gathering, church potluck, or as an expression of sympathy. Marian was also a longtime member of the South Plains Church of Christ.
She is survived by three daughters, Peggy Szaloy and husband Gary of Lubbock, TX; Susie Duncan and husband Keith of Lubbock, TX; and Betty Smith of Lubbock, TX; eight grandchildren, Christi Przilas and husband David of Dalhart, TX; Zac Womble and wife Michelle of Amarillo, TX; Michael Szaloy and wife Miranda of Carlsbad, TX; Tara Friars and husband Donald of Lubbock, TX; Shayla Szaloy and husband Ben Coffer of Lubbock, TX; Reed Duncan of Amarillo, TX; Ty Chisum of Lubbock, TX; and Callie Morgan and husband Taylor of Lubbock, TX; seventeen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters. She is also survived by one sister-in-law Billie Ray Williams of Panhandle, TX, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Don Williams; her parents, Richard and Martha Best; three brothers, Richard Best, Jr., Preston Best, and Edward Best; and two sisters, Florence Best and Martha Best.
