Marion A. Gerbig passed peacefully into the arms of God, her beloved husband and her son on December 28, 2018.
Marion was born on August 20, 1926 in Olustee, OK to Elsie and Spurgeon Turner. She was the eldest of 4 children and assumed the role of ‘mother’ early on in life to her siblings. Around 14 years of age, they moved to Houston. When a handsome young man came to visit his cousin, who lived next door to Marion, it was love at first sight. At 15 years of age, she was engaged to Jim (Buddy) and became his lifelong companion until his death in 2015.
Marion had two children, Jan and Mike. She spent many years making a home for her family as they moved many times during Jim’s work with Alcoa. A job was accepted by Jim and the family moved to Baytown, TX. When her children were older, Marion went back to school and excelled in her endeavors at University of Houston and Houston Baptist. She became an educator and had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many students. She became the first principal of Baytown Christian Academy when it was established in 1979.
Marion and Jim later moved to Bryan, Texas where she continued her studies at Texas A&M and obtained her master’s degree in Education. She became the principal at Allen Academy in the 1990’s and went on to oversee student teachers at Texas A&M.
Her first love and allegiance were to God and she was a very faithful servant until the end. She and Jim loved everything “Aggie” and had season tickets for the football games for many years. They could also be found at basketball games and most everything else “Aggie”. Some of her most fulfilling times were spent as docent at the George Bush Museum where she and Jim volunteered.
With the death of her son in 2011, Marion never fully recovered, and we know the reunion with Jim and Mike was beautiful.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, her son, Mike, her two brothers (Edward and Chuck) and her parents. Left to treasure her legacy are her daughter, Jan and son-in-law Don Connealy, her loving sister, Gaye, her daughter-in-law Valerie Noyes Gerbig (whom she saw as her other daughter) and Val’s children, Emily and Ryan Johnson, and by numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friend of nearly 40 years, Heart Lasater. Heart was a devoted and loving friend to the very end and has brought much happiness to our entire family over the years.
Many thanks to Encompass Hospice especially Amy, Clare and Chaplain Mike, for the kind and compassionate care they provided during these last few months. She was well taken care of during her residency at Isle at Watercrest. Aminah Collette (Mena) and Carnell Williams made her life very special and brought her many smiles during her time there. We are forever grateful for all these special people.
Her life will be celebrated with a graveside service at 11am Friday, January 4, 2019 at the College Station City Cemetery. Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers of Bryan College Station.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to Encompass Hospice at 3600 State Highway 6 S, Ste 100. College Station, TX 77845-6081 or the charity of your choice.
15 months of visiting Marion at Watercrest clearly demonstrated to me the gracious response to suffering of a committed follower of Jesus the Messiah. This is Marion’s testimony of a lifetime of trust in her Abba’s Way of redemption.
Clare, You were such a blessing to both my Mom and to me. Thank you for your faithfulness and your love.
Jan
MY GBABY!!! I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH, BUT CANT BE STINGY, I HAVE TO LET YOU GO AND BE WITH YOUR HUSBAND AND SON. WE WILL BE OKAY HERE, I WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN TOUCH WITH THE FAMILY,WE HAVE A VEY SPECIAL BOND.I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK, WE WILL SEE EACH OTHER ONE DAY, BUT UNTIL THEN, ILL PUT TWO FINGERS TO MY CHEST(LOL), AND REMEMBER ALL OF THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD, I LOVE YOU GBABY!!! TONY SAID, LOVE YOU GBABY, NEVER ANOTHER ONE LIKE YOU!!
Sincere condolences to your family and friends, Jan.
“Mom” certainly did adopt me as your friend, as did “Dad” when he was with us.
I was amazed to find out about her long history of, and dedication to teaching and her service as a principal as well- we shared that with my aunt who also was a principal until her retirement from HISD, and the honor of having the school renamed after her when she left the district.
Marion’s wonderful legacy will continue in the hearts and minds of those that she influenced as they passed through her educational career.
She will be forever missed, and joy of her reunion with Mike and Dad our greatest consolation in the loss of her for now.
Love ya!
For over 40 years Jim and Marion have been a very important influence in my life, as I know they have for so many others. I have never known a more loving, gracious, and elegant hostess than Marion. The first time I met herI realized she was a very special lady–of course I already knew that because she was Jim’s wife. They have left this world but their imprint remains and will be carried on through others, including my kids who took “advantage” of Jim and Marion on occasion while they were at A&M. We offer prayers of comfort for her family, and thank God for all Jim and Marion have meant to us.
My heart goes out to Jan, her loving daughter. What a wonderful tribute she wrote for her mother. My heart goes out to Jan and the rest of the family. May God’s grace give you comfort and strength over the coming months.
Jan – what a lovely tribute you wrote for one of the wonderful women in our family. She will be missed, but as you and I discussed, there’s now a fierce foursome fishing and playing 42 up there. You, Don, Valerie, and the rest of the family continue to be in our prayers. We love y’all.
Jan — Shortly after I moved to Bryan from Baytown I met Marion, and later you dad. They were so personable and down to earth. Each visit was pleasant, and I learned something. I’ll always remember her love for family, God and don’t forget those fruit trees! I think of her each time I make her Raisin Bran muffins recipe. Prayer for you & your family as you mourn her loss.
There is that one person in your life that makes that one statement to you and it stays with you forever. Marion Gerbig was that person for me in my 7th grade English class attending Cedar Bayou Jr School. What a difference this woman made for many. I am thankful for everything she did and how she inflame and my family.