Mary Lenora “Marylea” Marks

Link to view the livestream of the Celebration of Life:

https://youtube.com/channel/UC9V0kqVe8sGdPu5H7wnKFSQ

Mary Lenora ‘Marylea’ (Byrd) Marks, 86, of Midland, Texas, also lovingly known as ‘Mimi’ and ‘Momma’ passed away on April 23, 2022 after a long illness. She was surrounded by her family that loved her, but Jesus loved her more and took her home.

Marylea was born on April 4, 1936 to Lester Owen (Leck) and Virgie Vesta (Gamble) Byrd in Shep, Texas.  She grew up in the community of Wingate, Texas and graduated from Winters High School in 1954. Marylea was a popular young lady and was involved in many school activities such as pep squad, volleyball, and was even honored to be named FFA Sweetheart, Valentine Queen and Blizzard Queen.  It was during her junior year of high school that she met the love of her life, Kenneth Marks.  They married on May 28, 1955 at Shep Baptist Church and lived the first years of their married life in Abilene, Texas.  During her early married years, Marylea worked for West Texas Utilities in Abilene as a bookkeeper until the births of her children.  In May of 1962, Kenneth and Marylea moved to Midland, Texas to begin a business that would ultimately become Midland Commercial Electronics Supply, Inc.  She would serve as Vice-President of their business for many years, and would fill in as bookkeeper when needed.  Her favorite job was that of being a wife to Kenneth, ‘Mom’ to her four children, ‘MiMi’ to her eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and ‘Momma’ to her FCA kids.

Marylea served her church and community in many volunteer roles, such as Sunday School teacher, WMU, Midland Meals on Wheels, Lee Rebel Football, Baseball, and Choir Booster Clubs, coordination of bereavement meals for families, as well as serving with Kenneth as sponsors for Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Lee High School since 1983.  ‘Momma’ made many brownies and crock pots of queso to feed hungry kids during FCA meetings, freezers of ice cream for Midland Rockhounds, and pots of Border Beans and cornbread for coaches’ lunches at Lee High School.

Marylea is survived by her husband of 66 years, Kenneth Marks of Midland,TX, children Jamie (Tim) Skaggs of College Station, TX, John David (Suzan) Marks, and Lane Marks of Midland, TX, and Julie (Rocky) Jackson of Newark,TX. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Brian Skaggs of College Station, TX, Miranda (Luke) Dodson of Nacogdoches, TX, Erin (Brandon) Whitford of San Angelo, TX, Travis (Amanda Lester) Marks of Los Angeles,CA, Hannah Marks of Austin, TX, Aaron Marks of Dallas, TX, Kendal Jackson of Tucson, AZ, and Brode Jackson of Newark, TX.  Marylea is also survived by eight great-grandchildren:  Pascal, Dwell, Wynslo, and Rouseau Byrd Dodson, Judah, Elijah, Micah and Rory Whitford.  Marylea is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins in addition to many dear friends that are like family. Our hearts are hurting, but we rest in knowing we will be with her again one day.

Marylea is preceded in death by her parents, her brother ‘Buddy’ Lester Byrd, and a host of family that has gone before her.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards Drs. Vikram Vadyala, Manny Mangat, Scott Akins, and Raj Patel, Home Instead, Angels Home Health, and Hospice of Midland for their loving care throughout her illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Permian Basin FCA or Crestview Baptist Building Fund.

Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.