Rose Marilyn Howard

Rose Marilyn Howard, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished
member of the Vernon, Texas community, passed away peacefully on
Jan. 21st, 2025, in Lubbock TX. Born on July 18, 1932, in Lamesa,
Texas, to Dalton Ezekiel Fuller and Glynn Zola Fuller, Marilyn lived a
life filled with love, service, and dedication to her family.
After graduating from Tahoka High School in 1949, Marilyn attended
Wayland Baptist College, where she mastered shorthand, setting the
foundation for her career as a legal secretary. Her beauty and spirit
shone through as a Pioneer Cheerleader and beauty queen runner-up
during her college years.
On Sept. 6, 1961, Marilyn married Val Howard in Las Vegas,
beginning a beautiful partnership that would span decades. The couple initially made their
home in Lamesa, Texas, where Marilyn worked as a legal secretary while Val served as a golf
professional at Lamesa Country Club. In 1970, they relocated to Vernon, Texas, where they
would spend the next 50 years of their lives.
Throughout her professional life in Vernon, Marilyn served her community through various
roles, including positions at the School Board of Education, Waggoner National Bank as a
loan secretary, and Jones Oil Co. as a bookkeeper. Even in retirement, she continued to
contribute by working part-time at Savannah Rose.
A woman of faith, Marilyn was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. She found
joy in supporting her husband’s golf career, traveling to tournaments, and pursuing her
creative interests, including reading, painting, knitting, and creating beautiful crewel
embroidery. In her later years, she found pleasure in jigsaw puzzles, adult coloring books, and
gospel music.
Marilyn’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her siblings Dale Bentley (Tracy)
of Waco and Donna White (Dennis “Buzz”) of Lubbock; her children Aldora Thackery
(Glen), Terri Bryan (Brad), Traci Wasmer (Kurt), Toni Andrews (Randy), and Val Jene
Howard Jr. (Imelda); 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren with one carrying on her name,
Collins Marilyn-Rose; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Glen Dalton Fuller, and
granddaughter, Faith Thackeray.
Marilyn’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her warmth,
creativity, and devotion to family and faith. A celebration of Life service was held Sat., Feb.
15, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.
Officiating was Toby Castleberry.
Visitation was held Fri. Feb. 14, 2024, from 6-8 p.m