MARILYN THOMPSON RIDER PAUL

1931-2018

Marilyn Paul, 86, passed away in Houston on March 11, 2018 with her three children at her side.

Born Marilyn Shirley Thompson on December 5, 1931 in El Campo, Texas to Clara Charlotte (Engholm) and K.B. Thompson, Marilyn was the third of four children.

The Thompsons were members of the First Methodist Church in El Campo. Marilyn was a talented pianist, and in her teens she performed regularly on KULP Radio’s Jimmy Danielson Show. She graduated from El Campo High School in 1949 and from Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College in 1953.

While in college, Marilyn met Alvin Rider at a high school football game. They began a romance and were married in 1953. Alvin was an engineer working for the Texas Gulf Sulphur Company. The couple settled in Newgulf, Texas and had four children; Sheri, Laura, Thomas Edward, who passed away at childbirth, and Richard. The Riders were members of St. John’s Methodist Church, where Marilyn taught Sunday school. She cherished the time supporting Alvin’s career and raising her young family in the close-knit Newgulf community, which was Texas’ last company town.

When Alvin passed away in 1967, Marilyn moved back to El Campo. She taught elementary school, and the family was active at First Methodist Church.

During the summer of 1971, Marilyn took graduate classes in Houston to advance her teaching credentials. That summer she met Roy Paul at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and the two began dating. Marilyn and Roy got married in 1973 and moved to the Hedwig Village in Houston, where they were residents for more than 40 years. The Pauls attended Second Baptist Church, where they were faithful members of the Gospel Truth Sunday School Class. They also enjoyed their time playing bridge, a social but often times competitive affair. Roy passed away in 2016.

Marilyn was an active member of the Women’s Business Support Network, and she cherished friendships formed through this group. Marilyn also volunteered at Memorial Hermann’s Trauma Assistance Group, helping families whose loved ones were being treated at the hospital.

Family was most important to Marilyn, including her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marilyn loved cooking delicious feasts, and her door was always open for family and friends. She was humble, gracious and hardworking. Marilyn had a positive influence on many lives.

Never one to complain, and taking pride in her Swedish/ Norwegian heritage, Marilyn would often tell her children “stackars mig” (meaning poor me) when they would make a fuss about their chores or lot in life.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Sheri Feitshans and husband Fred of Houston, TX; Laura Cranek and husband Jeffrey of El Campo, TX; Alvin Richard Rider, Jr. and wife Katharine of Houston, TX; and step-daughter Irene Cornwall and husband Russell; 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Ellen Thompson, of Denver CO., along with nieces, nephews and several longtime friends.

The family held a burial service in Wharton on March 17.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at: www.whartonfuneralhome.com