Margaret Whitmarsh

Margaret Jean "Marnie" Whitmarsh, 89, widow of Vernon Gray Whitmarsh, died Sept. 5, 2015 in Brenham. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Pastor Mike Smith will officiate. Burial will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Marnie Whitmarsh was born October 17, 1925 in Chappell Hill to Harry and Margaret Peggy Kay Lesser. After graduating from Brenham High School in 1943, she continued her education at Blinn College, completing her M. Ed. from Sam Houston State University in 1954. On April 16, 1961 she was married to Vernon Gray Whitmarsh. Mrs. Whitmarsh was well known as a teacher in Chappell Hill, and later as a first grade teacher for many years in the Brenham I.S.D. She will be fondly remembered by the many students she influenced over the years. Memberships included the Chappell Hill Canasta Club, First United Methodist Church of Brenham, and Chappell Hill United Methodist Church. Survivors include a brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Paula Lesser; nephews and nieces: Harry Kay Lesser, Jr. and wife, Joann; Francene Tharp, and husband, Twain; Craig P. Lesser; Cindy Gregor, and husband Brady; Mary Kay Beard, and husband, Jim; great-nephews and nieces: Cody Tharp, and wife Dana; Daren Tharp and wife Evelyn; Harry Kay Lesser, III, Sydney Lesser; Clinton Lesser; Jenna Gregor; Karra Gregor; Russell Beard; great-great nephew and nieces: Cole, Katelyn and Lauren Tharp; cousins: Shirley Manditch and Reba Kay Cooper, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Marnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon Whitmarsh in 1988; brother, Harry Kay Lesser, Sr., and sister-in-law, Mavis Lesser. Serving as pallbearers are Harry Kay Lesser, Jr., Craig P. Lesser, Cody Tharp, Daren Tharp, Harry Kay Lesser, III, Clinton Lesser, Twain Tharp, Jim Beard, and Brady Gregor. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Brazos Valley or to any favorite charity. The family would like to thank all of the many caregivers who assisted Marnie over the past years, especially Erma Pruett, Will Ida Crawford, and Sierra Rogers. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.