Marilyn Moore

Marilyn Jo Biggs was born on August 8, 1949 in San Angelo, Texas and was the first child of proud parents Jack and Trudy Biggs. She was later joined by her two younger brothers, David in 1952 and Kelly, who arrived on Marilyn's 14th birthday. She was a life-long Texan and spent her early years in Seminole. Both David and Kelly recall their parents telling stories about having to search the little town for goat's milk for Marilyn when she was a baby. This eventually led to them buying Marilyn her very own goat, which they brought home in the backseat of their car. The Biggs family eventually moved to Aspermont, which is where Marilyn called home and attended school. She grew up camping, fishing, gardening and could often be found in a pickup with her dad, accompanying him as he worked on one of the many local oil leases. In high school, Marilyn developed her life-long love of basketball as a member of the Aspermont Lady Hornets. This love ran deep, and even the grandkids knew that you didn't interrupt MiMii during college basketball season. Marilyn was an active and involved student who earned several titles during her senior year at Aspermont High School, including Class Favorite, FHA Vice President, Yearbook Editor, Salutatorian and of course...Miss Basketball. She graduated in 1967 and then began her college education at nearby San Angelo State University. After earning her associates degree, she was accepted into the Hendrick Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Marilyn excelled as a student nurse, both in the classroom and at the patient bedside. At her graduation she was selected as the very first recipient of the Collier Award; chosen by school faculty for her "ability and dedication to the nursing profession, loyalty to the hospital and school of nursing, participation in school activities, and evidence of Christian character." In July of 1970, Marilyn passed her boards and became a registered nurse; reaching a goal that she set for herself in middle school. She later furthered her education and earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from McMurry University, all while working full-time and raising a family. Marilyn spent her entire career within the hallways of Hendrick Medical Center, where she cared for patients and led other staff in many areas, including home health, oncology, and day surgery. She completed her career in one of her favorite roles in the Hendrick Infusion Clinic, where she dearly loved the patients and her co-workers; Holly, Sarah and DeAnn.

While working at Hendrick, Marilyn met her future husband, William "Curtis" Moore. The couple married in Aspermont in June of 1971 and settled in the Clyde/Abilene area, where they raised their family. Two girls were blessed to be born to Marilyn; Jennifer in 1975 and Melissa in 1979. The one thing that Marilyn loved - even more than basketball and being a nurse - was her family. She had a way of making the ordinary seem special and often showed her love by creating moments - each one now a treasured memory. Home-made birthday cakes, hand-sewn Halloween costumes and matching Christmas t-shirt dresses were only a few of the ways she showed love to "her girls". She spent many hours driving them to and from activities, taking them to visit friends, and serving as their non-stop source of encouragement and support. In addition to being a loving mother, Marilyn became a true friend to her adult daughters. She was there for them day or night, to laugh or to cry, and continued to put their needs first until her very last breath. She was immensely proud of her girls and her son in laws, Preston and Marcus.

Marilyn's love of family wasn't limited to those who lived in her home and she found great joy through the years in spending time with her parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews. She could always be counted on to make time for a game of cards with her brothers and parents, a chat with her dad over a burger, or a shopping trip with the girls. She was there when anyone needed a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand, and provided loving care to her grandmother, her mother-in-law and her father when they needed health care at home. Marilyn had a naturally gentle and calm demeanor, but this was not to be mistaken for weakness. She fiercely protected those that she loved and her voice was loudest when she was speaking for others.

In March of 2003, Marilyn began her very favorite role when her first grandson, Max, was born. There was absolutely nothing that brought her more joy than her grandchildren, and she was so very proud of this first baby boy and his parents, Melissa and Marcus, for making her a "MiMi". One grew to six as Jaden, Jackson, Maddie, Jace and Major came along and MIMi was just as excited and proud of each new arrival. She loved telling people that after raising two (very well-behaved) girls, it was so much fun (and a little scary) to have five grandsons. Then she would smile a little bigger and her voice would soften as she said "And I have my ONE very special girl". These grandchildren convinced Marilyn to retire in 2013 after 38 years of service, and soon after she moved to the Texas metroplex (LIttle Elm) to be closer to them. This was a big move for a girl from Aspermont, but she embraced the opportunity to be at their school events, dance recitals, birthday parties and soccer games. When she wasn't with the grandkids, Marilyn found joy during her retirement in the simple pleasures of reading, working in her yard, spoiling her dog and watching Frazer reruns. She treasured memories of special travels that included the Balloon Festival in Albuquerque with her dear friend Joann and a trip to Las Vegas with her mom, her siblings and their spouses.. In 2017 she checked an item off of her bucket list when she attended an NCAA Final Four game with her brother David and sister-in-law Patsy.

Even as her health declined, Marilyn maintained her beautiful and positive nature. Her caregivers quickly fell in love with her and she became a "favorite" of her nurses and doctors. She looked out for others even from her hospital bed and could often be heard reminding those taking care of her to care for themselves. Marilyn was able to spend her last days with us on her own terms - at home, surrounded by family and focused on love. She had a deep faith and was confident in her love for the Lord, and we take joy in knowing that she had this peace. We have no doubt that her parents had the coffee brewed, the cards shuffled and the hands dealt when she arrived. Her absence is already deeply felt, but we are comforted by the knowledge that her continued presence will one day balance our grief. She provided her family with many memories to treasure and an immense sense of pride that we were loved by her. We are each better for knowing her, and she will continue to be with us - when her grandchildren follow in her footsteps, when we hear her favorite songs, when we use her recipes, and when we need her strength.

Those that will treasure Marilyn's memory include: Her daughters Jennifer Newton and husband Preston, Melissa Marquez and husband Marcus; her six grandchildren; Max, Maddie and Major Marquez; Jaden, Jackson and Jace Forrest; her brothers; David Biggs and wife Patsy, Kelly Biggs and husband Hector; her former spouse, William "Curtis" Moore; a host of beloved nieces and nephews and their mom, Sue Ann Biggs. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Trudy Biggs.

Family and friends will gather to honor her memory on Monday, December 19th at 2 PM in the Elmwood Memorial Chapel, with a graveside service to follow. Her services will be officiated by Chaplain Mike Patrick.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Liver Foundation or to a nursing scholarship fund that is currently being established in her honor.