Marilyn Sue Broughton

Marilyn Broughton, aged 85, passed peacefully from this mortal realm to meet her Lord and Savior on November 20, 2025. She was born Marilyn Sue Montgomery on April 13, 1940 in Springfield, Illinois, and raised by her father Harold "Monty" Montgomery. She married Wayne Thomas Broughton on October 16, 1957. Marilyn resided in Gladewater, Texas most of her adult life, where she and Wayne spent 53 years together raising their family, including both biological and chosen members, and ended her days in Kilgore, Texas.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her twin sisters Diana May and Donna Kaye, her father "Monty" Montgomery, her son-in-law Larry Jones, and her husband Wayne. She is survived by her daughters Monica Jones of Kilgore, Jessica Broughton of Gladewater, Diana Dunahoe of Pritchett, son-in-law Billy Dunahoe II, grandchildren and grandchildren-in-law Melissa and Erin McGinnis, Lori and Rodrick Portley, Makayla and Brendan Dunahoe, Sarah and Kaleb Dunahoe, and great-grandchildren Grayson, Rosaleen, Addyson, Tommy, Ireland, Freya, Eisley, Austin, and Sawyer, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

Raised by a single father, Marilyn was always tougher than the average woman, and approached every obstacle and opportunity in life as something to be conquered. She learned young that hard work and perseverance can get nearly any job done, and whether she was raising children, working for a living, going back to college in her 50s, or driving an 18-wheeler with her husband, Marilyn tackled everything with determination, an unwillingness to back down, and a fair amount of stubbornness. These qualities earned her the nickname "Mad Dog Marilyn" (given in both humor and affection) and a reputation for being someone not to cross. It was her kindness, generosity, openness, and fierce loyalty to her loved ones, however, that earned trust, respect, and the admiration of nearly everyone she met. She was always well-dressed, well-spoken, and well aware of where the best sales were, and believed prayer, a good lunch, and a little shopping spree could fix almost anything. Her pride in her family and continuous support led her to Friday night bleachers, awards ceremonies, concerts, Christmas pageants, plays, field trips, sleepovers, and much more, where she enthusiastically cheered, made snacks and memories, and drove hundreds of miles to wave from the crowd. She loved being a grandmother, with her favorite parts being snuggling babies and saying "Yes" after Mom and Dad said "No." Her home, though never magazine-ready, was always full of love, noise, holiday traditions, and an untold number of gigantic meals, to which anyone was welcome to sit and eat.

The family would also like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of Arbor Grace Kilgore for their excellent and loving care, especially during Marilyn's final days.

Visitation will Monday, November 24, from 6:00-8:00pm at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater. Memorial Service will be Tuesday, November 25 at 10:00am, also at Croley Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited for food and fellowship immediately after the service at the Prayer Room in Gladewater, as well as to the graveside service at 3:00pm on the same day at Brigham Cemetery in Campbell, Texas.