Sammye Marchman

Sammye Lee (Smith) Marchman, 80, of Graham, died peacefully Nov. 28, 2008 in Graham. A devoted wife and mother, Sammye was much loved by her family and friends and is sorely missed. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Graham at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Sammye was born Aug. 28, 1928, in Graham and grew up in Bryson. She graduated from Bryson High School in 1945 and attended John Tarleton Agricultural College (now Tarleton State University) in Stephenville and later spent a semester at North Texas State College in Denton before leaving school to work. She married Jerome E. (Jerry) Marchman on July 22, 1950, in the chapel of the First Baptist Church in Graham. While raising four children, Sammye served as bookkeeper and office manager for Jerry's oil and gas business. She also was involved in numerous civic organizations, including the Desk & Derrick Club of Graham, which she joined in 1979 and later served as an officer; the Young County Extension Homemakers Club; and the Women's Club of Graham, of which she also served as an officer. Sammye was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Graham and was active for many years in the United Methodist Women.

Sammye was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Artie (Slater) Smith, and her brother, Gordon Smith. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Jerry Marchman and their four children, Randolph Eugene Marchman and his wife, Carolyn Gillentine Marchman, of Olathe, Kan.; Leonard Renfro Marchman of Grand Prairie; David Earl Marchman and his wife, Lina Oller Marchman, of Austin; and daughter Judy Lee Marchman of Austin. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Paul Evan Marchman and his wife, Amy Nelson Marchman, of Shawnee, Kan.; Eric Neal Marchman and his wife, Melissa Edmondson Marchman, of Garland; Ryan Eliot Marchman of Olathe, Kan.; Jeremy Robert Marchman of Grand Prairie; Portia Nicole Marchman of Austin; and Caitlin Breanne Marchman of Arlington; and two great-grandchildren, Rhianna Avril Marchman and Scarlett Beverly Marchman of Shawnee, Kan.

The family gratefully acknowledges Sammye's caregivers at Merrill Gardens and Garden Terrace for their dedicated care for the past two years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601, www.alz.org; or to the charity of your choice.