Mariesse Oualline Samuels, age 74 of Houston, Texas passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022. A commemorative graveside service to honor her life has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 4, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Oklahoma Community Cemetery in Magnolia, Texas.

Mariesse was born in Conroe, Texas on June 5, 1947. A masterful musician, artist, and teacher, she left an indelible mark on the numerous lives she blessed with her gifts, talents, and enchanting spirit. She earned her BA in English and Music Education from University of Texas at El Paso in 1974, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Arizona in 1983. Her life's song was a harmony of passions composed of her abiding love of learning, creative music production in both secular and liturgical environments, applied technology, and the careful nurturing and development of the students and parishioners she served in schools and churches throughout Texas, Arizona, New York and North Carolina. After retiring from Houston ISD in 2013, Mariesse relished the variety of engagements she booked through the Houston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. In 2017, Mariesse retired her music career, having served as Organist and Assistant Choir Director for Trinity Episcopal Church in Baytown, Texas, home of her most treasured Allen Renaissance™ organ.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Adrene Oualline; her beloved husband, Gilbert J. Samuels to whom she pledged deathless devotion; and her sister and best friend, Margaret Hart.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include her daughter Amanda and husband Sam Thomas of Plano Texas, and their 3 children, Jonah Thomas, Abigail Thomas and Stephen Thomas; nephew Troy and wife Tiffany Hart of Flynn, Texas.

To honor Mariesse's legacy, please simply show benevolence toward a kitty in need that might present itself in opportunity for fostering, adoption, or the occasional/frequent charitable porch plate.