Obituary of Mildred Elizabeth Marshall

Mildred Elizabeth Marshall passed away on June 29, 2017, at the age of 92.  She died peacefully in her sleep at the Stayton Residences, where she was receiving temporary care.  She lived on  Poco Court for many happy, full, busy years with her husband, Joe Marshall. She was born February 7, 1925, to Otto and Emma Schuster and spent the first few years of her life in Priddy, Texas, with her parents and her seven siblings.

Mildred left Priddy to complete nurses training in Dallas.  She always told us that she was called to be a nurse, that she was a GOOD nurse, and that she  found great joy in making her patients as comfortable as possible.  She continued her nursing career in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband Ray Blackwell, and their three children.  In Lubbock, she was an active member of the Jr. Women's League, and served as president for many years. She did some modeling, took art classes, made life-long friends while there. From Lubbock she moved to Phoenix, Texas, and served as a  a home health-care nurse .for 15 years.  Mildred then moved to Corpus Christie to be closer to her family, and became a successful Realtor. She showed a condo to a tall, handsome, dynamo of a man: a past pilot and Lt. Colonel in the Air Force, Joe Marshall, who we all came to know and love as “Papa Joe.” They were married April, 1990, and for 24 years enjoyed traveling, bowling, playing bridge, cooking,  hosting their family and friends, biking and church activities together.  He never failed to open the door for her, and they always held hands when walking together. Along with her activities with Joe, Mildred enjoyed sewing, quilting, and painting.  She was “queen” of the domino table, and taught us ALL how to lose by beating us at her favorite game. She was continuously striving to be a better, stronger, more intelligent person.   She inspired us all by studying her bible daily, exercising regularly into her 90's, keeping up with current events and seeking ways to improve herself not just mentally and physically but above all in her relationship with Jesus.  She was a life-long  learner, and passionate about self-improvement.  She was still  a political activist at 92 and aggressively “stood by her man” during the last election.  

Her children are Steve Blackwell and wife Teresa, Jennifer Prather and husband Steve, and Tom Blackwell and wife Polly.   She is “Grandma” to 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and  ”favorite aunt” to many much-loved  nieces and nephews.  

Mildred has hosted countless birthdays,  graduation parties, and celebrations in her home.   For many years “Fridays at Grandmas” were a highlight of the week for all of the family. She was blessed to have many wonderful friends, who were loving and faithful to come visit, call, and minister to her the last few months.

She also is survived by her brothers Elmer Schuster and wife Anna Lee, and Otto Schuster and wife Dora.  She is preceded in death by Joe Marshall, the love of her life, and siblings Esther Green, Arnold Schuster, Johanna Wrinkle, and Agnes Schuster.

The  memorial service is at Christ Lutheran Church, 4409 Sycamore School Road, Fort Worth,  at 11:00 on Monday, July 3.  The church is providing a light lunch immediately following the service. There will be a graveside service at a later date in Priddy, Texas.

In lieu of flowers,  the family requests donations be sent to either Christ Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or a Veterans organization of your choice.