Marian Wood Barr, age 91, died after a brief illness on July 17, 2007 in Beaumont. A native of Florida, she had moved to Beaumont, Texas in 2006 to be with her daughter, Barbara, and son-in-law, Harland Merriam.
Marian was married to Bert Woodrow Barr in 1949. Bert died Thanksgiving 2000. She was also preceded in death by her brother, William “Bill” Henry Wood and her sister, Pearl Wood Arp. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Merriam, and son-in-law, Harland Merriam; her grandsons, Joshua and Aaron Merriam; her son, Victor Barr of Knoxville, Tennessee, and daughter-in-law, Marjorie Barr; and her daughters, Kathryn, Rebecca, and Elizabeth Barr.
Born Marian Ethel Wood on August 31, 1915, she was a fourth generation native of Deland, Florida. Her parents were the late Edgar William Wood and Ethel Hazen Wood. She attended Stetson University and graduated with a degree in teacher education. She taught grammar school in Melbourne, Florida until her marriage when she returned to the town of her birth. She later taught preschool at The Merriam School and First Presbyterian Church Day School. A long-term member of First Presbyterian Church, she continued to volunteer at the church and preschool until her failing eyesight made this too difficult. Her legacy as a teacher continues in her daughter, Barbara Merriam and her granddaughter, Kathryn Barr.
An avid reader, she introduced her family early to the joys of the public library. When her eyesight began to fail she switched to books-on-tape and continued her love of reading unabated. Her son and daughter have continued this tradition.
A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2007 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church with family visitation following at the church. Additional services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Deland, Florida at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Day School, 724 North Boulevard, Deland, Florida 32720 or St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Day School, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
Complete and updated information may be viewed at www.broussardsmortuary.com.
