Marian Wills

Marian Toll Wills, 77, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 25, 2023. On August 2^nd, 1946 she became the fourth born child to Elton Henry and Evelyn Toll Sr in La Grange, Texas.  She was baptized January 26^th, 1947 and then later confirmed in the Lutheran faith on May 29^th, 1960.  She graduated from William Travis High School in Austin, Texas in the summer of 1963, started her career as a phlebotomist then eventually moved into imports and exports.  Nothing was more important to Marian than when she became a mom to Denise in 1970 and again to Bradley three years later.  They were the apple of her eye surpassed by no one until the arrival of her two grandsons, Ryan and Tyler.  The sun rose and set in her children and grandchildren.

She was a fiercely independent, hard headed woman so it came as no surprise when she became the first woman in Texas to get a Customs Brokers license.  She married Jim on January 31, 2009 in a little white chapel with Elvis as the witness. Here she gained two more daughters, who she loved just as fiercely as her own.

She retired from AMD in 2014 and she and Jim moved to Brenham, Texas where she put her heart and soul into designing and remodeling a 1925 Craftsman home.  In between living the retired life and remodeling, she and Jim traveled all over the world, hitting some notable spots like Prague, Italy and France.

She loved to garden, nurture flowers and create nature’s beauty anywhere she could.  She loved family gatherings and was often the event planner that brought everyone together from all over the state.  She was the matriarch of the family that everyone turned to for advice and was also a phenomenal cook and amazing desert chef.  There wasn’t anything she couldn’t cook or bake!

Mom lived life to the fullest, celebrated all aspects of life and danced her way across Texas.  She was an expert dart player and card shark!  She showed her love for her family through thoughtful gifts, great conversations and acceptance of everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.  She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Zionsville. 

Marian was preceded in death by her parents, sister Joyce, brother Glen Roy, and brother Roger Toll. She is survived by her loving husband of 14 years Jim Helfrich, daughter Denise Johns, son Bradley Wills (Andrea McMurray), daughter Laura Helfrich, daughter Katie (Alvin) Mann.  Grandchildren Ryan (fiancé Robin) Johns, Tyler Johns, Ashley Martinez, Oliver Martinez, Marli (Christian) Boyle, Meagan McMurray, and Alvin Mann III.  Great grandchildren Carson Culver and Robert Boyle.  Sisters Elaine Woods and Gloria (Tom) Hill and brother Elton “Sonnie” (Sandy) Toll Jr.  Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Pallbearers are Tyler Johns, Ryan Johns, Barry Graves, Brant Elliott, Michael Woods, Kenny Domel, Tracey Tippetts and Alvin Mann II.  Honorary pallbearers are Rodney Exner, Gary Wagner, Ralph Hardeman.

The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 28 at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Glenn Hohlt, officant. Burial will follow in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.  

Marian went to be with the ones who loved her first.  Do not feel sorry for us because we got to love her last.