Marilyn Gilliland Higgins

Marilyn Gilliland Higgins passed away at Midland Memorial Hospital on Monday, December 21, 2020, from extended internal illness.

She was born December 18, 1936 at her father’s ranch in Baird, Texas to Marvin (Jack) Gilliland and Ruth Boyd Gilliland.

Marilyn was raised in Baird, and graduated from Baird High School. After high school, she got a fine arts and education degree at McMurry University then a master’s degree at Abilene Christian College.

Marilyn married Vincent Thomas Higgins after her college graduation, then began teaching in Lubbock, Sweetwater and Midland, Texas for 36 years. Her loves and hobbies were china painting, playing bridge and traveling. She traveled to Europe, Russia and across the United States many times.

Marilyn Higgins adored her grandsons, family and friends.  The sweetest and best mom and friend to all.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ruth Boyd and Marvin Lewis (Jack) Gilliland.  She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Chailia.

She is survived by her daughter, Valerie Janine Snelson of Odessa and her partner, Lee Roy Hernandez; grandsons Carter Thomas Snelson (Tracy Shahan Snelson) of Austin, and Cole Roper Snelson of Midland. She is also survived by her sister, Jackie Gilliland Pruet (Benton) of Baird; her nephew Craig Pruet (Kamie) of Baird; her niece, Jerilyn Pruet Wilson of Baird; and many grandnieces and nephews and cousins.

Marilyn will be interred at 1:30 PM Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Ross Cemetery Annex in Baird.  

Marilyn Gilliland Higgins was deeply loved and will always be greatly missed.

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