Marilyn Retha (Williams) King, 89, passed peacefully from this life April 28, 2026, with her loving family by her side. She was born October 14, 1936, in De Ridder, Louisiana to Henry Richard Williams and Marybelle Green Williams. Marilyn married James E. (Ed) King on June 2, 1956, and they enjoyed a loving marriage of forty-eight years.

Marilyn was raised in Dry Creek, Louisiana and later in New Caney and graduated from New Caney High School. After high school, she attended and graduated from Stephen F. Austin with a Bachelor of Education. Marilynn met her future husband, Ed, in Nacogdoches while at SFA and their journey together began. She later graduated from Sam Houston State University with her Master of Education. She was employed by New Caney ISD for thirty years as a dedicated teacher, and later an assistant principal. Marilyn truly fulfilled her calling in life in education. She loved working with children and helping them become the best version of themselves. She was a longtime, faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church in New Caney. Marilyn loved the Lord and His love shined through her in how well she always treated others – with love and kindness. She served as the Church Clerk, hosted Bible Study in her home, was an Awana “Listener”, and sang in the church choir for many years when she was younger. However the Lord called Marilyn to serve, she faithfully did so.

She enjoyed many hobbies in life and always stayed busy. Crafting, sewing, working puzzles (crossword or jigsaw), and word searches were just a few of her favorite activities. Marilyn loved to travel and Ouray, Colorado was her favorite destination. She was a faithful Astros fan and believed that anytime a great time for ice cream! Behind her love for God, Marilyn’s family was her greatest joy in life. She was a devoted and loving homemaker for her family always. She was truly selfless in her love to her family; whatever they needed she would faithfully fulfill that need. She was a strong, determined, loyal, and a feisty mom and granny to a family who adored her. While her family feels the immense void now present, we take comfort in knowing she is home with the Lord and those who have gone before her.

Marilyn leaves behind a loving legacy in her family: daughters, Mary Lynn King Powers and husband, Gary, and Trisha King Beaty and husband, Mark; granddaughters, Patricia D’Leece Smith Muir, Kameran Beaty Fairchild (John), Jonni Powers (Loren), Jaclyn Beaty Ratliff (Lane); great-grandchildren, James Muir, Henri Muir, Hadlee Ratliff, Addie Fairchild, and Baby Ratliff coming in October; brother, Byron Williams; sister, Addie Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.

Marilyn has been reunited with her beloved husband, Ed King; parents, Henry and Marybelle Williams; beloved daughter, Dianne King; sisters, Carolyn Pratt and Henrietta Oakley; and three great grandbabies.

A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in New Caney, Texas with Brother Tim Davis officiating. Graveside committal followed in Rosewood Memorial Park North in Porter, Texas. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church Mission Fund (23307 Roberts Road, New Caney, Texas 77357) or to De Leon First Baptist Church Honduras Mission Fund (125 South Houston Street, De Leon, Texas 76444), in memory of Marilyn.