Myrtle "Marie" Thurman Austin

Myrtle “Marie” Thurman Austin

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…”


Myrtle “Marie” Thurman Austin, aged 77, passed away Saturday, November 28, 2020, in McKinney, Texas surrounded by her loved ones.
Marie is survived by her husband of 38 years, Roy E. Austin; Her brother, George Thurman and his wife, their two sons and wives, her two sons, Stephen and Tanita Ward of Shreveport, LA., Michael and Cheryl Ward of Murphy, TX., and the daughter of her heart, April Cooper Macri of Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is also survived by three children by marriage: Justin Gilbert; Amanda Bell and her husband, and Roseina Dickerson. Marie is also survived by the joys of her life, her twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Myrtle Thurman and her brother William Eugene Thurman.

Marie was born in Monahans, Texas, on January 31, 1943 to Walter Eugene Thurman and Myrtle Novelah Kinman.

After her retirement from Raytheon, she enjoyed spending her time crafting, reading, crocheting afghans for her loved ones and as part of a ministry at her church, Calvary Baptist Church of Anna, Texas. She was a loving mother and a doting grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family. She has had three pet cockatiels whom she loved and spoiled like children. Sonny Bird, who passed in September 2018, Rocky who passed a few weeks after he was brought home, and Sam Bird, who will miss her greatly. He sings songs for his ma as he wanders around the house looking for her.

Marie always looked put together and pristine whether she was running an errand or staying home. She had such a beautiful soul as well as a kind and giving heart. She was very independent and strong willed. She did not like for others to do things for her. She felt like she should be the one doing for everyone else. She left us too soon before we, her family, had the opportunity to take care of her with the same devotion she showered on us.

A graveside service will be held to celebrate her life on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 2 pm at Merriman Cemetery, Ranger,Texas. The family requests that guests adhere to social distance guidelines in order to protect elderly family members' health. Arrangements are being handled by Edwards Funeral Home, 411 South Mulberry St., Eastland, Texas.