MARLENE SUE RILEY WILLIS

09/11/1953 - 06/26/2022 Marlene went home today after a long battle with respiratory issues. Letting go of earthly toils she reached out to Jesus, took his hand and peacefully entered the presence of the Lord and into the eternal heavenlies at approximately 3:30AM while under hospice care at the home of her daughter Kim Willis. To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.

Marlene leaves behind her 3 children, Lisa Sexton and husband Brian, Brandon Willis and wife Joni, and daughter Kim Willis. Blessed with 4 grandchildren, Bryce, Lauren, Brayden, and Olivia to cherish her memory. 6 siblings, Robert (Houston, Tx), Mike (Montgomery, Tx), Jeff (Cape Coral, Fl), Debbie, (Slidell, La) Charlene (Houston, Tx) and Tricy( Mobile, Al). Numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces and friends.

Marlene was born in Lafayette, La to Louise Shaw Riley and Bob S. Riley who both preceded her in death. Growing up with 6 other siblings provided her with a house full of playmates as a child leading to endless amounts of spirited activity and child like fun and expected sibling rivalry. After her father died unexpectedly in 1966 Marlene along with her twin Charlene, Debbie, Tricy and Jeff would develop impromptu plays to put on for their widowed mother in hopes of making her laugh as she moved through her grief. Acting out parts combined with genuine silliness and dancing and singing brought hardy laughter from her mother which in turn brought happiness to Marlene and her siblings during a difficult time. Marlene loved to laugh as her mother did and like her mother loved nothing better than sitting next to a fishing pond with a hook, worm, and cork and her thoughts. She loved football and the “Who Dat” nation of the New Orleans Saints, cooking up a roux and bowl of gumbo to enjoy the game. Marlene had a difficult time throughout her life expressing her feelings for her family. However, despite that she lit up when the talk moved to her grandkids whom she loved dearly as they brought inner peace to her during her moments of contemplation. In the end, Marlene let go of her dark moments finally reconciling the early loss of her father. Today and for eternity darkness is now the light of Jesus as she basks in the glow of the presence of her spiritual home experiencing things that the human mind can’t comprehend. Marlene is not gone; she simply went ahead. Perhaps she is baiting her hook presently with her mom and has gone fishing in that heavenly pond where the fish are always biting.

For Marlene Rest easy now

Toils are gone

Pain can no longer taunt Nor darkness invade

Life is new

Fresh

Joy unspeakable Breathes at last

Bonds are broken Chains no longer last No more tears

Nor anguish resides In Mansions on high… Memories of you

In our hearts abide

Our daily companion

Of your hardy laughter

In the morning after