Marilyn Jean Smith's Obituary
Marilyn Jean Smith passed away Monday, June 29, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. Marilyn was born December 25, 1930 in Clinton, Ohio to Ruth & Jay Batdorf. She attended Bowling Green University where she graduated with a degree in Speech Therapy. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and participated in that organization for many years. In Ohio, she met the love of her life, James Tamblyn Smith. They married August 1, 1954 and moved to Dallas. She taught special education in several Dallas schools, ending her educational career as Principal at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church School. Marilyn switched careers and sold real estate for Ebby Halliday until she retired. She was a member of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Her love of music led her to volunteer at The Dallas Opera for over 20 years. Besides the opera, she enjoyed attending The Dallas Symphony and performances at the Dallas Theater Center. Marilyn loved to travel and with her friend and travel companion of more than 40 years, Emily Jefferson, she saw the world from the Artic to Madagascar to Zimbabwe and all points in between and on every continent. She loved to read, but truly relished the challenges of crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Marilyn was an avid needle pointer and her pillows and other creations grace all of our homes. Her grandchildren and great grandson were the lights of her life, she loved them fiercely and celebrated their many accomplishments.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, James T. Smith; her parents, Ruth & Jay Batdorf; her sister, Betty Lillich; and her daughter in law, Carolyn Smith. Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Amy Spence and husband Allan; son, Jay Smith; grandchildren Kathryn Waite and husband Bud, Dylan Smith, Sierra Smith, and Wyatt Smith; great grandson Carter Waite; friend
Emily Jefferson; brother Robert and wife Carol; brother Larry and wife Kathy; and many nieces and nephews.
A private graveside will be held Monday, July 6th at Restland Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials in Marilyn’s name be made to either the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church Choir or The Dallas Opera.
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