Marilyn Adele Vincent

Marilyn Adele Vincent passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, just two weeks shy of her 80th birthday, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. She was living in Harlingen, Texas, at the time of her passing.

Born on June 26, 1945, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Marilyn was the daughter of Blanche and Elmer Griffin. She was the third of four siblings—Dan, Mar, and David—all of whom still reside in Colorado. Marilyn graduated from Wasson High School and went on to earn her degree from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. On June 1st, 1967, following her graduation, she married her college sweetheart, Jacob Vincent.

A devoted educator at heart, Marilyn taught in Abilene, Texas; Shreveport, Louisiana; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Harlingen, Texas, where she retired as a school administrator after completing her master’s degree in education. Her love for learning and adventure extended beyond the classroom, especially through her work with youth at the 8th and Harrison Church of Christ. She led numerous groups on Wilderness Trek expeditions through the Colorado mountains, sharing her deep love for the Colorado Rockies.

Her life was marked by three guiding passions: faith, relationships, and the natural world. For 14 years, Marilyn and her family served as missionaries in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Upon returning to the United States, she remained a dedicated member of the 8th and Harrison Church of Christ for over 35 years. Her mornings most often began in quiet reflection—reading scripture and praying faithfully.

Marilyn was active in many ministries. She served with the Food Pantry at 8th and Harrison for many years. She was a key part of the Motherly Love in Harlingen, investing into young moms, and served women in ministry across Latin America through her work with Conexiones. Her home was a place of welcome and warmth, where the table always had room for one more. She had a gift for bringing people together, especially her extended family, most notably organizing and encouraging gatherings with her Vincent nieces, a tradition that continues to this day.

In her retirement, Marilyn fully embraced the beauty of the Rio Grande Valley and became a passionate birder. She never left home without her binoculars. She volunteered with the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival for over two decades and served as president of the Valley chapter of the Audubon Society. Her backyard stands as a living tribute to her love of nature: a tranquil pond home to the beloved Billy the koi, trees that echo with the calls of parrots at dawn and dusk, and a collection of stones and rocks gathered from around the world. A talented seamstress, she sewed everything from wedding dresses to prom dresses and countless quilts—most generously gifted to fellow missionaries, friends, and family. One of her most cherished traditions was gifting a handmade quilt to each grandchild upon their high school graduation

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband, Jacob Vincent; her children: Joel Vincent (Teleshia) of Harlingen, Ann Gonzalez (Sam) of San Antonio, Benjamin Vincent of Harlingen, and several foster daughters. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Griffin Vincent, Tyleece Vincent, Jovanna Vincent, Victoria Schnitzer (Ryan), Sofia, Olivia, Isabella Gonzalez, Alexander, Elizabeth, and Anderson Vincent. She also leaves behind her siblings: Dan Griffin, Mar Porter, and David Griffin, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Marilyn’s life will be held on Sunday, June 15th at 6:00 p.m. at the 8th and Harrison Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival (P.O. Box 3162, Harlingen, TX 78551) and/or the 8th and Harrison Church of Christ (801 E Harrison Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550).

“For whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:25-26

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31