Marilyn Virginia (Stringer) Sands

Marilyn Sands, 72, of Commerce passed away on May 23, 2015 in Greenville.  Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Commerce.  Visitatioin will be Monday, May 25 at Commerce Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.  Marilyn was born November 12, 1942 in Commerce, Texas to John Wesley Stringer and Effie Estelle Pilgrim Stringer.  She attended West Delta and Commerce schools.  She married John Riley Sands on November 27, 1959 in Klonkide.

Marilyn was owner/operator of the Beauty Bar in Commerce for over 40 years until her retirement in 2012 as well as a licensed private investigator.  Marilyn was Chairman of the Commerce Beautification Commission, prior District Director of the Business and Professional Women along with being named Woman of the Year in 1983.  She was also a member of the Louise Drake Garden Club.   Marilyn touched the lives and hearts of so many in the community that gave so much back to her.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, John Sands of Commerce; two daughters, Joanna Shamburger and Dianna Janes, both of Commerce; grandchildren Kortni Toon and husband Damon of Cooper, Kyle Shamburger and wife Brandi of Greenville, Tani Rabe of Cooper, Carrie Petty and Cristan Shamburger both of Commerce; great-grandchildren Dylan, Weston, Halle, Brooklyn and Kolston; one brother, Don Stringer and wife Joan of Commerce; sister, Carolyn Nickell and husband Bob of Austin and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceeded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Johnny Shamburger.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Alzheimer research at alz.org.

The family would also like to thank the Colonial Lodge-TenderCare staff, Hospice Plus staff and Continuous Care nurses Jose and Lisa for the wonderful care they took of Marilyn.