Marilyn Jo Tyson

Marilyn Jo "Jody" Tyson, age 91 of Brenham, TX, was called to heaven on Friday, January 23, 2026. She was born January 4th, 1935, in Santa Rosa, TX to parents Harry Lorain Ketcham and Rose Lucile Baer Ketcham. She was the youngest of five children.

Jody grew up in the country outside the small deep South Texas town of Santa Rosa surrounded by extended family. She fondly spoke of the wonderful setting of the family citrus orchard, dairy, farm animals and large food garden that provided a fun place for a child to grow up, never a sense of want, and daily chores for even the youngest. Although she found her job as the sauerkraut maker for her German mom distasteful and never ate it again after leaving home. Living in the country, she often rode her horse to school, and her dog Brownie would follow along to keep the horse company for the day. Her mom was a teacher and taught Jody and her siblings math and other topics over the years. Jody was active in high school sports, including basketball - despite her petite stature. She was small, but mighty! A trait she carried through life.

Jody met her husband, Charlie Frank Tyson, in Spanish class at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. She had grown up bilingual in South Texas and Frank, being from rural Central Texas, spoke Spanish in a way she said she barely recognized. But he did sing and play the guitar to her delight, and they were married May 27, 1955, when they graduated. They celebrated 63 years of marriage before Frank's passing.

Jody had degrees in English and Spanish, a Master of Education in Administration, and had completed all but the dissertation for her PhD in Educational Leadership. She was a teacher, Principal, and worked at the School District level, and lastly trained new teachers in Texas and Mexico with Blinn's Alternative Certification Program. Like her mother, she spent her entire career from college graduation until retirement in education - working until she was 80 years old.

While in Brenham, Jody was active in several service organizations including the Fortnightly Club supporting the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library which was a passion of hers, United Methodist Women - especially her dear Wesleyan Circle, Brenham University Women, and Delta Kappa Gamma (a 50-year member!)

Jody was raised in the United Methodist Church and in over 50 years between the Airline Methodist Church in Houston and Brenham United Methodist Church, she volunteered in the positions of Adult Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, sang in the choir and helped with United Methodist Women programs. Her most cherished contribution in her faith journey was the vision of a Care Team program to minister to church members in all areas of need.

Jody is survived by her daughter Zoe Rascoe and husband Terry of Temple, TX and by daughter Charlotte Goetz of Shawnee, OK. Jody also grieved the recent death of her beloved son-in-law Steve Goetz, husband of Charlotte. Jody had three grandchildren - Tyler Goetz of Shawnee, OK, Ariana Goetz Falcone (husband Nick Falcone) of Houston, and Colton Goetz of Charleston, SC. She loved each of them so dearly. She had one great-grandchild, Eli Falcone, who was a delight to her heart on each frequent visit. Jody is also survived by her brother Pat Ketcham who is 100 years old and his wife Montie Lou who is 98, and by sister-in-law Joyce Ketcham, age 97.

There will be a private graveside service for family. A celebration of Jody's life will be held at her beloved Brenham First United Methodist Church on February 28, 2026 at 11:00 am. Pastor Mike Lindstrom will officiate.

Jody's family suggests memorials be given to Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library in Brenham.

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