Wilma Lois Marshall

Wilma Lois Marshall, 90, of Abilene, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 27, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. A visitation will be held Friday, December 2, at Piersall Funeral Home, 733 Butternut St. from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday, December 3 at University Church of Christ, 733 EN 16th at 10:00 a.m. A private family burial will follow.

Wilma was born in Crosbyton, Texas on July 27, 1926 to Ernest Alvin Russell and Amy (Heathington) Russell. The family moved to Littlefield, Texas where she grew up and graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1944. That same year she enrolled in Abilene Christian College. In 1945, she moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where she worked for the Social Security Administration. While there, she met the love of her life, Joseph J. Marshall. They were married on July 20, 1947 in Littlefield, Texas. The couple moved to Abilene and both graduated from Abilene Christian College with bachelor’s degrees. She later received her master’s degree from Hardin – Simmons University.

Wilma taught at Lincoln Junior High, Mann Junior High, and Abilene High School before becoming an Associate Professor of English at Abilene Christian University. During her 24 years at ACU, she taught English, Business and Professional Writing, and Children’s Literature classes. She was instrumental in beginning the Children’s Literature section of the Brown Library at ACU.

Wilma was a member of the Colonial Dames, Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She was the President of Delta Kappa Gamma and a member of Women of ACU. Her love for Abilene Christian University was only surpassed by the love she had for her Lord and for her family. She was a faithful member of the University Church of Christ for over 65 years. Wilma also supported her husband, Joe, as First Lady while he served as Governor of the Texas – Oklahoma District of Kiwanis in 1992 – 1993.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, La Verne Russell Taylor. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Joe Marshall, her son, Mike Marshall and wife, Donna of Colleyville, Texas, a daughter, Pam Porter and husband, Tim of Kerrville, and another daughter, Julie Neill and husband, Paul of Abilene. Seven grandchildren: Brad and Justin Marshall, Emily Condel and husband, Aaron of San Antonio, Erica Porter of Austin, Texas, Amy Passmore and her husband, Kyle of Abilene, David Neill and wife, Lexi of Abilene, and Angie Neill of Searcy, Arkansas. She is also survived by one niece, Janet Taylor Lawless Flournoy and one great – niece, Traci Lawless of Euless, Texas. Two great –grandsons, Zachary and Ian Condel of San Antonio also survive her.

The family would like to thank the Catered Living caregivers at University Place for the love and compassionate care given Wilma during her illness and passing. The family wants to also thank Kindred Hospice for the wonderful care provided Wilma during her illness and passing. A special thank you to: RuthAnn Rhodes and Margarita Garcia. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Wilma Marshall to the ACU Brown Library, Children’s Literature Fund at: MAIL; Gift Donations, ACU, Box29132, Abilene, TX 79609 PHONE: 800-588-1514 ONLINE: ACU Alumni Association, ACU Online Donations (acu.edu)