Marilyn Thomason

Marilyn (Maddox) Thomason, age 100, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in Brenham, Texas. She was born on June 5, 1923 in Houston, Texas to her loving parents Addie Gertrude (Ezzell) and George Robert Maddox. Marilyn grew up in Houston with her parents and two sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Lou Wood and Bobbie Maddox Jones, attending Milby High School.

Marilyn worked first for Eastern/Braniff Airlines and later, while raising five daughters, she put her talent as a seamstress to regular use, sewing her daughters’ clothes and many, many exquisite Maifest costumes and gowns. In later years she attended Blinn Jr College to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). She worked as an LVN for many years including St Jude Hospital (ER), Bohne Hospital Surgical Department, and the Brenham State School. Nursing was her true calling as demonstrated by her compassion and devoted patient care.

Marilyn’s personal life began with her marriage to Joseph Eugene Routt of Chappell Hill, Texas, on March 1, 1941. Joe and Marilyn had two daughters, Marilyn and Rosanna. Sadly, Joe lost his life in the Battle of Bastogne in Belgium very close to The Battle of The Bulge in December of 1944. Like so many others, Marilyn became a “Gold Star Wife,” widowed and raising two daughters with the support of parents, family, and friends.

Several years later Marilyn met James Neal Thomason, a World War II Veteran who served in the Pacific Theater as a bomber pilot. Jim was born and raised in Brownwood, Texas. Marilyn and Jim married on June 2, 1947. They settled first in Houston, Texas, adding three more daughters to their family: Janeal, Elizabeth Bevan and “Meg.”

Marilyn and Jim moved from their Bellaire home to Brenham, Texas, where they put down roots and raised their daughters. Though they retired and moved to Wimberly, Texas for a while, they returned to Brenham in their later years, continuing to enjoy their retirement, their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a few great-greats! Marilyn and Jim were members of the Brenham Church of Christ. Marilyn continued to enjoy her close friendship with her dear friend, Treva Bullard.

Marilyn lost her husband, Jim Thomason, in August, 2007, after 60+ years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents and sisters, daughter Janeal, son-in-law Jeffrey D. Janner, grandson Joel Neal Janner, and great-grandson Jacob Jackson. Marilyn is survived by daughters: Marilyn Routt Thomason, Rosanna Routt Sena and husband Rudy, Elizabeth Bevan King, and Mary Margaret “Meg” Janner. Grandchildren: Leanne Locke Whitaker, James T. Locke and wife Carol, Leif Thomas Devemark and wife Melody, David Joseph Devemark, Kelly Martin, Amy Elizabeth Eads and husband Barry, Stacy Bevan Hill and husband Joshua, and Matthew Janner and wife Janessa. Marilyn has 15 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

There will be a private graveside ceremony.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share condolences at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.