Mrs. Marilyn Brim Leopard

Marilyn Brim Leopard, our beloved Sister, Mother and Grandmother passed from this life into the presence of our Lord on the evening of January 3, 2017 after a brief illness. Always ready for new discoveries and new experiences, we know she will have new stories to tell us when we are reunited with her in Heaven. A retired nurse, Marilyn lived a full life. She loved spending time with her large family, travelling to Missouri, Louisiana and South Texas for extended visits. She was also an avid reader of history, mysteries and scary novels. Marilyn particularly loved scary movies, spending countless hours at the theater, often with a like-minded grandson for a companion. She loved to explore old cemeteries and abandoned houses, wondering about the people who’d come before her and what they may have experienced in their lifetimes. It was not surprising that Marilyn, like most of her family, had a keen interest in her own ancestors and wanted to know where the roots of their family trees ran. She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage. A highlight of her life was in 1997 when Marilyn, her mother and her sister Doris travelled to Ireland for a week-long tour. They talked about their experiences for years after. Another passion of Marilyn’s was live music. She lived in the Dallas and Houston areas for many years and was fortunate to see many of her favorite singers in person such as Mickey Gilley, Vern Gosdin, Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley. Marilyn was born in Midlothian, Texas the first child of Edwin Otis Brim and Elsie Mae Brim, on February 11, 1936. Her siblings are Doris Brim of Gilmer, Texas, Jerry and Gertrude Brim of Goldthwaite, Texas and Larry and Kathie Brim of Athens, Texas. In 1954, Marilyn married Pete Cryer, a master carpenter who built residential and commercial developments throughout Texas over his lifetime. Pete preceded Marilyn in death. Marilyn married Ollie Leopard in 1973. Known to his friends as Junior, he preceded Marilyn in death. Marilyn’s children are Bobbie and Ronnie Lilley of Doniphan, Missouri, Cindy and Michael Pittmon of Longview, Texas, Roy and Barbara Cryer of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Laura Danysh of Bandera, Texas and Diane Polk of Longview, Texas. She leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren to mourn her passing. Marilyn was preceded in death by two grandsons, Pete and Rickey Cryer, sons of Roy and Barbara. We take comfort in knowing their grandmother is in their presence again. Pallbearers will be James Cryer, Pete Cryer, Ryan Shea, Butch Hawkins, Andrew Lilley, and Kevin Wynn. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Longview Regional Medical Center and Heart to Heart Hospice for their outstanding care and service to Marilyn. In particular, we want to thank Dr. Adam Yu, and Meghan and Ontaria on the progressive care unit of LRMC. Services will be Friday at 2:00 pm at McWhorter Funeral Home 1074 State Highway 300 in Gilmer, Texas with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park on US Highway 271 in Gilmer. Please visit Marilyn’s on-line registration book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family.

Mrs. Marilyn Brim Leopard

February 11, 1936 - January 3, 2017