Marilyn McNeill Hardister

Marilyn McNeill Hardister lived a life marked by an unwavering devotion to God and her family. Her primary influence was within her own family to whom she was deeply dedicated, yet she also greatly influenced the faith of many others. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, cousin, teacher, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched.

Born on October 17, 1938 and raised in Greenwood, South Carolina, Marilyn spent her childhood and teenage years building lifelong friendships. She graduated from Columbia College in 1960, and began her adventures by taking her first teaching job in New Orleans, Louisiana where she met and married her husband, Rex Hardister. Marilyn and Rex spent most of their marriage traveling the world, raising their children in Australia and Malaysia, then settling in Houston, Texas. True to her gifts and passions, Marilyn spent her life raising her family, teaching bible studies, participating in prayer groups and pointing everyone who was entrusted to her to The Lord.

Those who knew her remember her zest for life, playful sense of humor, infectious joy, thoughtful generosity, and dedication to scripture.

Above all, Marilyn loved the Lord. She was a fervent prayer warrior whose faith was not simply something she professed, but something she lived. She faithfully carried the people she loved before God in prayer, and countless friends and family members can point to her gift for prayer as a blessing and an influence that strengthened their faith. Her greatest desire was to see her family know and love Christ, and she considered it one of her greatest joys and privileges to help raise a Christian family.

Marilyn is survived by her children Molly (Kurt) Robinson of Katy, TX; Hal (Deidre) Hardister of Colleyville, TX; Susanna (CK) Moye of Brenham, TX; daughter-in-law Tonja Hardister; grandchildren Marin (Percy) Hudson, Grant (Lauren) Robinson, Joey (Lauryn) Robinson, Mackenzie (Johnathan) Jennings, Graham (Joanna) Hardister, Jordan (Tyson) Mertz, Abby and Lindsey Moye; great-grandchildren Knox, Ember, Niall, Dane, and Everett; and her brother, Tommy McNeill, of Greenwood, SC.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Rex Hardister, and her parents Harold and Mary Lillian McNeill.

A memorial service will be held in the Scroggins Chapel at Parkway Fellowship Morton Location, 5911 Morton Rd, Katy TX 77493 on Saturday, September 5th, 2026 at 1:00pm.