Marilyn Lay, 77, of Farmersville, Texas, entered heaven on February 19, 2023. She was born to parents L B and Sally Dee May, on November 4, 1945 in Greenville, Texas. Marilyn attended school in Josephine and graduated from Community ISD where she was voted most beautiful. Marilyn’s career continued at Community and comprised serving as paraprofessional, where she was awarded paraprofessional of the year and was well loved by all. She often was the greeter at the door as students entered and was the first one in the parking lot.
Marilyn married William Jackson Campbell in 1963 and they had three lovely children, Debra Dee, Jacalyn Lee, and William Elliot Campbell. Later in life, Marilyn met and married JT Lay; John Theo and Clint Leon Lay were born to them.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Sally May, her brother, Elliot Leon May, her sister, Carolyn Jameson (all of Farmersville), her first husband William Jackson Campbell, daughter, Debra Dee Campbell, son, William Campbell, and a host of cousins. The reunion in heaven is full of joy, laughter, and singing of hymns.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Jacalyn Campbell of Wills Point, son, John and his wife Velvet of Crandall, and son Clint and his wife Crystal of Farmersville. Marilyn loved her grandchildren: Taylore, Keli, Michaela, Jesse, Kaira, Savannah, Lynse, Cheyanne; and her great-grandchildren: Lauryn, Kenleigh, Annzlee, Graci, Geri, and Raylie. Marilyn is also survived by her niece, who she loved as her own daughter, Shahna, and her husband Todd Welch, and their children, Zachary, Ethan, and Kate.
Marilyn was a member of First Baptist Church, Josephine, where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and served on various teams and constantly studied the Bible. She loved Jesus and sang hymns until she could no longer draw a breath!
Marilyn loved the family farm, known as May Corner, and the life of the farm is chronicled by Gidget, her beloved chihuahua, who asked her to illustrate the book, because chihuahuas can’t draw. Marilyn composed poems, scrapbooked family photos from more than seven decades, and enjoyed painting and other forms of art.
Marilyn loved everyone and would tell you repeatedly.