"My aunt Glenna was a favorite relative: always positive in her interactions and encouraging in her words. She truly was a great hostess to any family or friends who entered their home. Uncle Ivan led in our wedding ceremony in 1968 and we were honored to have both of them present. You could tell she was devoted to her family and you always left her presence smiling. Thank You Lord for the privilege of knowing her! Continued prayers for Uncle Ivan and all the family. \"We do not grieve as those who have no hope...\""
In loving memory of
Glenna Elizabeth Marks
April 6, 1931 - August 30, 2020
Glenna Deaton Marks, born April 6, 1931, passed away with family by her side in Austin on August 30, 2020. The second child of Ermon and Goldie Hicks Deaton, she grew up in central Arkansas and married Ivan Marks in 1948. After son Alan arrived in 1949 and daughter Gay in 1952, they became a military family. Through Ivan's career as a U.S. Army chaplain, Glenna repeatedly established a welcoming and beautiful home.
Glenna had a certain radiance that came from loving well and being well-loved. Family and friends were great joys to her, and were treated accordingly. Always a proud wife and mother, she became a proud grandmother to Carrie and great-grandmother to Eliza. In later life, having lost her three beloved siblings, she remained deeply engaged with nieces and nephews and cousins. Her friendships for the past forty years, after settling in Austin, were drawn primarily from the Wedding Ring Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church, where many bonds and precious memories were made.
Glenna was an artist in the sewing room and the kitchen. In addition to stylish clothing, she created many intricate, colorful quilts. She loved sharing her cooking skills, producing elaborate and tasty meals. Her pies were pronounced by many the best they had ever had, and Ivan has noted, "The worst day of her life was the day she had to buy a pie."
Glenna and Ivan celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary months before her death, and he lovingly nursed her in her final illness. We will gather to celebrate her life at a post-COVID time. The world has become a dimmer place without her, but she has left a beautiful heritage. Thank you, Glenna, for your life and love.
If you wish to give a memorial, please do so to First United Methodist Church Austin by sending a check with "Endowment Fund/Glenna Marks" on the memo line to Deanna Fairchild, Director of Finance, FUMC, 1201 Lavaca St., Austin, TX 78701. Or if you wish, you can specify a church program and Glenna's name under "Gifts & Tributes" at https://fumcaustin.org/about-us/giving/.
Tributes
"We will always remember Glenna being at our wedding, Ivan married us 11 years ago. It was a very small celebration and Glenna made It very special by being with us. We always looked forward to her being at Sunday School, her glow of warmth, smiles and laughter being with one and all, brightened our day. We realize the effort, she was making some days and loved her, she will be missed. Rest In Peace dearest Glenna. Shirley and Herb"