Marianna Sluder McWherter

Marianna Sluder McWherter, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2023 at the age of 101 after living a full and happy life. Marianna was born on March 13, 1921 to Fanny Mary (Heuberger) Sluder and William Goode Sluder in Paris, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Clayton (Bob) McWherter; her sister, Betty Carlisle House; and her son, RobertWilliam (Bobby) McWherter. Marianna is survived by daughters, Kay McWherter Walker, Gail Kent Cole, Mary Anna McWherter-Payne, and Wendy Chloe East; and daughter-in-law, Sandra Katherine McWherter.

Marianna treasured her education and career. She attended Fourth Ward Elementary School and then Paris High School. After graduating high school in 1938, Marianna went on to study at Paris Junior College for two years. While attending PJC she spent 2 years as editor of the school yearbook, The Galleon. After PJC Marianna attended the University of Texas at Austin where she majored in journalism and wrote for The Daily Texan. After graduating with a degree in journalism, she started her first job in Paris, Texas writing for The Paris News.

Marianna married Robert (Bob) McWherter December 13, 1942 when he returned from serving as a fighter pilot in the Pacific during World War II. He then served in Europe for the remainder of the war while Marianna lived in Paris, continuing to work as a reporter for The Paris News. When Bob returned from the European front Marianna accompanied him to his station in California following a honeymoon in Florida.

From California the couple moved to San Antonio, where Marianna had the first of her five children, Betty Kay. The next move was to Austin, the (earthly) home of her soul. Bob pursued his education receiving a master's degree in aeronautical engineering while Marianna had two more of her five children, Bobby and Gail.

Bob graduated from "The University" in 1955. He was hired by Ling Tempco Vaught in Dallas. The family moved to Irving where Marianna had her last two children, Mary and Wendy Chloe. Although she chose to work in the home raising her children, Marianna still pursued her writing career, freelancing articles from home which she submitted to local newspapers in the towns where she lived. She also helped to write and print church bulletins for the churches she attended.

While raising her family in Irving, Marianna participated in many activities. She loved playing bridge, golf, and tennis with friends. She also loved camping and hiking on family vacations. Later in life Marianna learned to snow ski which she continued into her 70's.

When all her children left home, Marianna and Bob chose to live in El Paso to be close to several of the kids. After 20 years they moved to Jacksonville, Texas, again to be near more family. Bob passed away in Jacksonville in 2008. Marianna lived with all four of her daughters from time to time, finally ending up living with Mary in Albuquerque for the last 5 years.

Marianna (Mamie) adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She collected all the cute things they said and stories about their antics. Mamie's grandchildren include Todd Walker and wife Sandi, Brett Walker and wife, Casie, Matt Walker and wife, Leslie; Jeff Boyce, Jason Boyce and Amy McWherter Pruett and husband, Trent; Will Kent and wife, Danielle; Katie Walker and husband, Will Lukach, Josh Payne, Scott Walker, Will Walker and wife, Arianna, and Tyler Payne; and Jamie Carter.

Marianna has 29 precious great-grandchildren: Madeline Walker, Savannah Walker, Landon Walker, Isabella Walker, Julia Walker, and Levi Walker; Emmerson Walker, Bennet Walker, Everleigh Walker, and Hayes Walker; Saydalee Walker, Jett Walker, Field Walker, Shepherd Walker, Millie Walker, and Tyra Walker; Brittany Boyce and Dylan Boyce; Tessa Boyce and Shane Boyce; Braden Pruett, Jackson Pruett, Trinity Pruett, Liberty Pruett, Maria Pruett, and John Ezekiel; Brock Faber Kent and Margaret Kent; and Luna Brett and Gaia Carter.

Marianna was especially close to her nieces and nephew, her sister, Betty's children: Marilou House Maxwell and her husband, Craig Maxwell, John Sluder House and Dicksie House Walker and her husband, Rick Walker.

She was also devoted to several churches over the years: Central Church of Christ in Irving, Texas; Community Church of Christ in El Paso, Texas; and First Christian Church of Jacksonville, Texas. Marianna had special friends in each of these congregations whom she loved very much.