M arjorie Eason Willbanks, also known as "Momma", "Mama", "Mother", "Nana", "Grandma", "Granny", "Momma Nana", and "Margie" was a true Southern Belle who entered eternal life on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Her spirit is carried on by her four children, Mrs. Sharon Lee Koeppen, married to Rich Koeppen, Mr. Gary Wayne Willbanks, Mrs. Marjorie Dawn Thomas McKelvy, married to Mr. Langley McKelvy, and Mr. David J. Thomas, married to Mrs. Ambereen Thomas. She was Grandmother of 10, Great-Grandmother of 15, and Great-Great Grandmother of 8.

Marjorie was born in De Queen, Arkansas on April 28, 1932 to Mrs. Dollie Eason and Mr. Otis Eason. She was preceded in death by eight siblings including her fraternal twin, Margaret. Marjorie's family was quite large and by the time of her Mother's death Marjorie had 64 nieces and nephews. Her family history could be traced back to the original colonies of this Great Nation.

In addition to her Mother, Father, and siblings, Marjorie is now reunited with her husband, Mr. Harold Lee Willbanks and her two beautiful daughters, Mrs. Linda Gail Preston and Baby Brenda Jean. I'm sure she is also visiting with her son-in-law, the late Herbert Wayne "Butch" Preston.

Marjorie attended Gillham High School In De Queen. After high school she moved to California and lived there in the cities of Monterey, San Francisco, and Richmond. She also lived in Hobbs, New Mexico for a time before returning home to Arkansas. She later moved to Pasadena, Texas Where she met and married William Thomas. They moved to his home town of Swansea, Wales. Upon returning from across the pond she lived in Deer Park, Texas, and later Houston. She eventually returned to country living, and for the last thirty years she was a resident of beautiful Magnolia, Texas.

For those of you lucky enough to have partaken of Marjorie's culinary skills you would attest that she was one of the finest Southern Cooking Queens. You will remember it was a regular Sunday occurrence that she would fill the air with the smells of divinity and tempt your tummy with succulent fried chicken, mashed taters, green beans, collard greens, jalapeño (and regular) cornbread, iced tea, coffee, and at least three different kinds of desserts — especially her award winning German Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Pie. Then afterwards the sharing of stories with company over hot coffee.

Marjorie was the epitome of being self-taught and self-reliant and she lived on her own up until being called Home to the Lord. She was a life-long and voracious reader of all types of literature, a cross-word puzzle aficionado, and taught herself how to quilt, sew, crochet, and embroider. She was also an artist who was exclusively called upon to create holiday scenes on the windows of the local stores in De Queen. Today her children and grand-children all have beautiful love-created memories because of her dedication and skill. Marjorie was also an experienced and exceptional gardener, who delighted in the hard work that brought such beauty to every yard, or garden she had.  Possessing some plants for decades moving them from home to home.

Marjorie kept a home that would pass any Military Inspection for cleanliness and the only time you could not disturb her during the day was when "All My Children" was on TV and she was having her lunch!

Marjorie loved her lifelong friends which she made wherever she lived including Mrs. Marguerite Pasche, Mrs. Fawn Fulks, and countless others met during her long life and many travels,

Marjorie was brought-up Southern Baptist, with a long line of Baptist Ministers in her family. Later in life she joined the Lutheran Church (LCMS) and was active in the church for many years. Marjorie was a gentle soul, a Lady who loved and feared the Lord and loved her Family more than anything else in her life. Her children were her strength and she treated everyone with respect and kindness.

The world had become very busy to Marjorie, our Momma, but she knew how to slow it down when you were around her with a big smile and a cup of coffee. Forever in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers and eternally remembered as a Lady who embodied the elegance of Chanel N°5.

Family and friends (and any strangers she would have love to have met) can visit with Marjorie (Momma) on Monday, October 2, 2023, beginning at 4 PM (for family) and from 5 PM to 8 PM (for friends) at the Klein Funeral Home - Magnolia-The Woodlands 14711 FM 1488 Magnolia, TX 77354. The Celebration of Life for Majorie will be on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, beginning at 2 PM, same location, followed by a Christian Burial.