Marjorie Iris Dusek

1925 - 2016

Marjorie Iris Dusek passed into heaven on Monday, November 14, after a lengthy illness. She was born Marjorie Iris Wiggins on December 2, 1925 to Elijah W and Alma G Wiggins in Gainesville, Texas. After her mother's death in 1928, Marjorie moved to Denison with her father and was cared for by her Aunt and Uncle until Marjorie's dad married Ruth James, her step-mother, who helped raise her.

Marjorie received her education in the Denison Public Schools, graduating in 1942. She was employed by the State National Bank in Denison from 1942 until the late 1960's when she accepted a position as a teacher-aide with the Denison Independent School District, retiring in 1985.

In 1932, Marjorie became a charter member of Waples Memorial United Methodist Church. Over the years, she served her church in many capacities. She was a member of the Chancel Choir for over 50 years, founded the Criterion Class in 1947, and was active in the United Methodist Women's Circle for over 50 years. She served as a Choir Parent for children's choirs in the 50's, as a counselor for the Methodist Youth Fellowship in the 60's, and as a Choir Mother for the Freedom Seekers in the 70's. Additionally, she volunteered in the church library, in vacation bible school for numerous summers and chaired church committees for Christian Mission and Outreach.

Marjorie served her school community through memberships in PTAs at all levels, serving in multiple leadership positions. She served as a Band parent and Drill Team parent and was active in the Quarterback Club through the 1970's. Following her retirement, she volunteered in the reading program at Terrell Elementary School.

The Denison community was very important to Marjorie. She began community activities as a member of the Denison Community Players in the late 1940's and early 1950's, where she played many roles during drama presentations. She was both a Cub Scout Den Mother for her sons and Blue Bird Leader for both daughters. Marjorie was active in the Texoma Medical Center Auxiliary and served Meal on Wheels to community shut-ins. She was a member of the Thursday Review Club and the Monodrama Club. For all her service to the Denison community, Marjorie was honored with a Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Denison Rotary Club and received the Citation Award as an outstanding volunteer in the Tri-County Retired Senior Volunteer Program in 2000.

Marjorie never met a stranger and was a friend to many. She provided and delivered many meals to those who were ill or had lost a loved one. She never hesitated to help others and cared for many during her lifetime.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Joe Dusek; her father, E.W. ""Lige"" Wiggins; mother, Alma Gilliam Wiggins; step-mother, Ruth James Wiggins; brother, William Howeth Wiggins; one daughter, Mary Louise Wedel; and dear family friends, William Forrest and Doris Acker Mock. She is survived by son Joseph Daniel ""Dan"" Dusek, Jr. of North Mankato, MN; daughter Diana ""Che Che"" Smith and husband, Dave, of Denison; son Elijah Dusek and wife, Lana, of Denison; and son Forrest Dusek and wife, Gina, of Denison. Grandchildren include Ryan Smith and wife, Kamilia of Dallas; Julie Dyan Higginbotham and husband, Ryan of Dallas; David M. Curry of Fort Worth; Randal Smith and wife, Rachel, of New Braunfels; Asher Underwood of Los Angeles, CA; Aaron Dusek and wife, Cortnee of Denison; Ryan Dusek of Denison; Devon Schnitker and husband, Josh, of Pottsboro; Garrett Thompson of Anna; Nicholas ""Nick"" Dusek of Denison and Kaitlynn Mary Dusek of Texarkana. She was blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Dusek will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Waples Memorial United Church with Pastor Scott Wiley officiating. Family visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Fisher Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Guardian Hospice, Crawford Street Place or Waples Memorial United Methodist Church Day School.

The family expresses gratitude and love for the owners and staff at Crawford Street Place for her wonderful and loving care these last three years. Also, to her Guardian Hospice team for Marjorie's truly special care these last six months and for guiding the family through her final days.

Condolences may be registered online at www.fisherfh.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home in Denison.