Marie Neece Lambert

Born in Winters, TX and raised in Big Spring, TX, she was the daughter of Joe and Davida (Briley) Neece. Marie attended Big Spring High School (’63) and continued her education at West Texas State University where she received her BS in Education (’67). Ever the adventurer, Marie took a freighter to Europe where she traveled and ultimately took a position teaching elementary school on a US Army base in Heidelberg, Germany.

Once returning to the United States, Marie briefly resided in Dallas before moving back to west Texas where she accepted a position at the Region 18 Service Center in 1975. During her time at the Service Center, she received her Masters in Education from Sul Ross University in 1980. As a testament to her hard work, dedication, and professionalism she moved up the ladder and eventually retired as the Executive Deputy Director of the Region 18 Service Center after 30 years, in 2005.

In 1988, she married the “sweetest soul to have lived”, George Lambert. They first met at a dance hall where George informed Marie he was a great dancer and asked her to dance. After much persistence, she agreed. Once on the dance floor, Marie quickly realized that George was a charmer and had two left feet. They spent the next 16 years continuing to laugh, charm, and adore each other until George’s passing in 2004.

Her favorite hobbies included bowling, fishing, reading, playing cards, and traveling. Some of her favorite trips were to Australia and Fiji with George and annual trips with her girlfriends to Branson, Las Vegas, and Ruidoso.

Preceding her in death are her husband, George Lambert; father, Joe Neece; and mother, Davida Neece. She is survived by her brother, Larry (Shirley) Neece; sister-in-law, Sue (Marvin) Henry; brother-in-law, John (Sue) Lambert; step-children, Greg, Brian, Diane, and Linda; her nieces and nephews, Laura Sanfacon, Joel Neece, and John Neece.

Her family and friends will remember her as quick-witted, well-spoken, opinionated, and young at heart. We realize how blessed we were to have had her in our lives.

A visitation for Marie will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors, 4635 Oakwood Drive, Odessa, TX 79761. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4635 Oakwood Drive, Odessa, TX 79761. A committal service & burial will occur Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Ross Cemetery, Baird, Baird, TX 79504.