Marilyn Oleen Hamby Ford, a cherished member of Prosper and Denton, Texas communities, passed away on February 6, 2024, at the age of 77. She was born on October 19, 1946, in Celina, Texas, to Olen Carlton and Georgie Elise (Peterman) Hamby. Marilyn's life was marked by love, faith, and family.
She graduated from Prosper High School in 1964, where she was an exceptional athlete, head majorette, cheerleader, Homecoming Queen, and Football Sweetheart. Marilyn was united in marriage with Dan Christie in February 1966-1977 in Prosper, Texas, David Nichols in May 1978-1991 in Denton, Texas, and later with Dan Ford in 2002-2013 in Sherman, Texas.
In her time, Marilyn was often referred to as “the most beautiful woman in Collin County”. But she was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Her daughters describe her as resembling Marilyn Monroe with a personality of Lucille Ball. She had perfect comedic timing and could tell a joke like nobodies’ business. She loved animals, music, singing Elvis and Connie Francis tunes, winning at Trivial Pursuit and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys.
Marilyn devoted over 35 years to her career as a hair stylist. Marilyn loved her clients dearly and they loved her, many of them she serviced weekly for the entirety of her career.
Marilyn was a woman of unwavering faith and was devoted to her Christian beliefs. Her faith guided her throughout her life, providing her with strength and comfort in both joyful and challenging times.
She is survived by her daughters, Effie Dawn Christie of Prosper, Texas, and Andrea Lee Nichols of Denton, Texas, who were the light of her life. Marilyn's love extended to her grandchildren, Dylan Christie Blase of Frisco, Texas, Lillian Marie Hardwick, and Liam Wayne Ragland, both of Denton, Texas. She cherished every moment spent with them, creating lasting memories and imparting wisdom.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husbands. She also joins her brothers, Charles Hamby, Harold Hamby, Woodrow Hamby, and Larry Hamby, and her sister, June Price, in eternal rest. Marilyn's passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her, but her memory will forever be cherished.
A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held later this spring.