MARILYN MARKHAM

Marilyn Ruth Basye Markham of Texarkana, Texas passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, March 21, 2023. A member of Texarkana’s original pioneer family, Marilyn was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She was born on November 13, 1945, and was preceded in death by her parents, Charles F. Basye and Edney Watts Basye of Texarkana, Texas and her grandson, Nicholas. Marilyn leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Fred J. Markham and daughters, Ellen Markham and Adrian Markham. Marilyn was the proud grandmother of Madison Wernecke Baltazar (Rey Baltazar) and Katelyn Markham. She had one great-granddaughter, Blakely Baltazar. She is also survived by her sister, Martha Basye Smith (Bob D. Smith) of Clarksville, Arkansas. Marilyn was a 1963 graduate of Texas High School, attended Texarkana College and studied Art Education at the University of North Texas and the University of Memphis. She spent many years living in Austin, Texas with her husband, Fred, where they raised their daughters. She was an active member of the Junior League and Daughters of the American Revolution during her time living in Austin. Marilyn was a gifted artist and designer. She enjoyed traveling to places like New Mexico, New England, Ireland and Israel and especially enjoyed trips to War Eagle with her friends. Visitation with the family will be held at Texarkana Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023. A funeral service will take place at Hardy Memorial United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023. The burial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Bluff Springs Cemetery, 852 Cornbridge Road, Mineral Springs, Arkansas. Donations may be made to Hospice of Texarkana or a charity of your choice.