Marian was born in Fox, Oklahoma to Clarence & Audria O’Dell. She grew up with dreams of becoming a journalist, but decided on a higher calling, to become a wife and mother, jobs she performed with a wonderful style of her own. We shared a closeness that many never share, and for that I’m thankful to God every day.
In her lifetime, she demonstrated many talents. She worked as Church Secretary during my youth, served as Den Mother to my brother’s Cub Scout Pack, Room Mother at our elementary school, and was an excellent role model for her two children. After her kids were grown, she became the first woman Editor of The Monahans News, a bi-weekly newspaper in Monahans, Texas. As editor, she was also reporter and photographer. She won many awards for her stories and editorial columns from the Texas Press Women’s Association over the years including her column, “Cabbages and Kings” about all kinds of local issues.
In 1973 she married Thomas W. Rodgers, a local wedding photographer and they opened their own photography studio in Monahans, known as Rodgers Photography. Together they filmed football games, weddings, graduations and many other special events for 14 years, leaving beautiful memories behind for many families including their own.
Thomas (“Pawpaw”) preceded her in death in 1987. She spent the next 12 years being a wonderfully loving “Memaw” to her three grandchildren, and my very best friend.
A rare appendiceal cancer took her from us after numerous chemotherapy treatments failed. Being a woman of strong faith, she now resides in her Heavenly home with the Lord, still (I’m sure) watching over each and every one of the loved ones she left behind.
I will remember her always for her tenacious faith, her immutable courage even in the face of great adversity, and her unwavering sense of humor. We miss you, Mom. |
