Marilyn Baxter

Funeral service for Marilyn Whittle Baxter, age 77, of Sulphur Springs will be held at 1:00p.m. Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Chapel with Bro. Tom Friday officiating. Interment will follow at Restland Cemetery in Dallas at 4:00p.m. with Zachary Lewis, Nicholas Baxter, Connor Baxter, Jordan Roos, Josh Redar, and Derek McClure serving as pallbearers. Hunter Burkett, B. G. Davison, and Harold McClure will serve as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Marilyn peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday evening, February 24, 2022 at Neva’s home with Neva and Maurie holding her hand.

Marilyn was born November 10, 1944 in Palestine, TX to Euless Morris “Buck” Whittle and Lillian Grace (Bush) Whittle. She married James Baxter on December 12, 1974; he preceded her in death seven months ago. She recently joined Grace Community Bible Church, attending as recently as the Sunday before her death. Even though Marilyn only joined a couple of months ago, she had already made many true friends. Marilyn loved the Lord and was a good and faithful servant. Her faith was obvious in every aspect of her life. She loved James deeply and together they owned Baxter Electric Company and other investments. She and James, the love of her life, had a true partnership in all facets of life.  She was a longtime member of TOPS, where she made many close and lasting friendships. She was a member of Grace Group Prayer Warriors, and you can rest assured she was upholding her part of the praying.

She is survived by her daughters, Neva Ball and husband, Larry, of Mabank; Belinda Harden and husband, Wes, of Carrolton; sons, James Baxter, Jr. and wife, Maureen, of Waxahachie; Anthony Baxter and wife, Jennifer, of Longview; grandchildren, Zachary Lewis and wife, Megan; Maurie Roos and husband, Jordan; Nicholas Baxter; Connor Baxter and wife, Elizabeth; great-grandchildren, Rogan Roos, Channing Lewis, Hunter Lewis, Rhylea Lewis; and brother, Gary Whittle and wife, Brenda of Glen Rose.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband; sister, Glenda Jean Steakley; brother, Morris “Butch” Whittle; daughter, Kathy Baxter; and son-in-law, Lonnie Lewis.

Many of Marilyn’s lifelong friends were made at A T & T, where she started working in 1960, when it was known as Southwestern Bell. Through the years, her talent did not go unnoticed, and because of the respect she had earned, she quickly advanced to an administrative assistant, supervisor, and a District Supervisor. After 30 years of service, she retired.  She was a longtime member of the Southwestern Bell   Pioneers, and she devoted many hours volunteering with Big Hearts of Big D.

Next to her Lord and Savior, Marilyn loved her family. Nothing gave her greater joy than spending time with her kids and grandchildren, and in the most recent years, her great-grandchildren. Several years ago when her grandson Zach’s Cub Scout group needed a leader, Marilyn jumped right up to volunteer countless hours and her talent for five years. Some of her best times were spent shopping (you know how she loved that!) with Maurie and Neva. One of her greatest memories was her trip to Disney World with Neva and Maurie. And, she would never forget the many fun memories she made in New York with Maureen and Neva. In the last few years, Gary, Brenda, and Marilyn spent many hours laughing and talking about their early adult years and their lifetime of memories. Even in their busy daily lives, Connor and Nick made time to visit Granny often.

In November, Marilyn decided to move to Athens to be closer to her main caregivers, Neva and Larry. Larry was a source of strength and love as he ran errands, was “on call,” provided care, and saw to her immediate needs, even when Neva was not there.  They shared many laughs and memories that Larry will cherish.

Marilyn and James both loved to dance, which is how they met, and they danced all throughout their life together. Her family likes to imagine that they are dancing together now on streets of gold.