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Marilyn Diane Thomas-Barnes was born on October 15, 1961, in Austin, Texas, to Eddie Lee Thomas and Dorothy King-Thomas. From an early age, she professed her faith in Christ and lived a life grounded in devotion, service, and love. She was a longtime and faithful member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, where her faith and fellowship were evident to all who knew her. She was also employed by UPS, where she worked diligently as a tracing clerk. After relocating to Buffalo, Texas, Marilyn united with First St. Holland Baptist Church. There, she continued her faithful service as a member of the Senior Choir and the Titus 2 Mission, serving God and her church family with humility and commitment. In the early morning hours, at 4:00 a.m. on April 12, 2026, the Lord called Marilyn home. Though she is no longer with us in body, her love, strength, and faith will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Despite her short time on this earth, those who had the honor of getting to know her experienced love at the deepest levels, an infectious smile and an uncanny ability to navigate a wide array of environments with grace and style that will be forever missed. Marilyn leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving sons: Eugene Thomas and his wife, Dr. Anice Thomas, of Randolph, New Jersey, and Ervin Thomas and his wife, Angie Thomas, of Bloomsbury, New Jersey; four grandchildren, Jaiden, Christiana, EJ, and Addison; and three great-grandchildren, Taniah, Syncere, and Demetri’Ana. She is also survived by her parents, Sherman and Dorothy Williams of Buffalo, Texas; her sisters, Carolyn King-Arnold of Dallas, Texas; Debbie Crockett and her husband Steven of Baltimore, Maryland; Kathy Donaghue and her husband Bill of Austin, Texas; and Lillian Roberson and her husband, Pastor J.R., of Giddings, Texas; her brothers, Ervin King of Austin, Texas; Michael Thomas and his wife Donalyn of Elgin, Texas; and her step-brother, Otis Williams of Austin, Texas. Marilyn also leaves her cherished uncle, Robert King and his wife Norma of Spring, Texas; her sons-in-law Pulliyel and Annakutty George of Teaneck, New Jersey, and Barbara Caraballo of Brooklyn, New York; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends—from Austin, Texas, to Kerala, India, and beyond. She was preceded in death by her late husband Ernest L. Barnes of Austin, Texas.

Tributes

Marilyn Thomas-Barnes

October 15, 1961 - April 12, 2026