Marilynn Van Cleave

Marilynn Faye Lewis Van Cleave was born in Odessa, Texas, on August 21, 1951, and entered her heavenly home on November 11, 2024.  

She grew up in Arlington, Texas, and then resided with her husband, Van, in Hurst, Texas.

Marilynn was a godly woman who loved the Lord and her family. She was actively involved in various ministries, including youth, children, and women’s ministry, as a member at Harwood Terrace Baptist Church, now Masterpiece Church.

She was known for her sweet and kind heart. She loved her family dearly and was the example of a great wife and mom. She worked for most of her career as a social worker, job coach, and instructor; she valued teaching people and helping them improve. She would offer advice and a helping hand whenever she was able. In talking with family recently, many have reiterated the kindness she exhibited. She enjoyed crafting, playing games, taking her grandkids to the movies, and just spending time with her family. During the holidays, she found joy in filling Operation Christmas Child boxes and watching Christmas movies each year.

Marilynn is preceded in death by her parents James LaFayette Lewis and Edna Geraldine “Gerry” Gibbs Lewis, her sister Sylvia Diane Williams, in-laws Lawrence Van Cleave, Allie Hale Van Cleave, and brother-in-love Wayne Van Cleave.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years Othea “Van” Van Cleave; daughters & sons-in-love Stephanie & Tommy McKnight and Melanie & Brice Watkins, and son Chris Van Cleave; Grandchildren Aubrey and Nathan McKnight; sister Jamie (Peter) Running; sisters-in-love Iris Glover, Lee Adams, and Laura (Jim) Rutter; brothers-in-love Paul Van Cleave and Scot Williams; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

Marilynn will be greatly missed, but the hope we have in seeing her again brings peace to our hearts and no greater joy than knowing that she is in the presence of our great Savior!!!

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV)

If you would like to make a donation instead of flowers or memorial trees, we have set up a memorial page to go to Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/marilynn-van-cleave-hurst-tx/