Marion Brown Young

Marion Brown Young, 87, of Canadian and formerly of Van, passed on March 20, 2023 in Canadian.

Memorial services will be 2:00 PM at Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church, 13090 County Road 434, Lindale, Texas 75771, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

For friends in the Texas Panhandle, a family visitation will be held at The Harbor Community Event Center, 708 N. Hobart, Pampa, Texas 79065, on Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Marion was born in Gladewater, Texas, on September 14, 1935. After graduating from Deer Park High School as an All-Star athlete, Marion had already achieved a trove of honors. Elected Class President in 1953 and 1954, Marion was a 3 Time All-American in Track and Field. At age 16, she traveled to Connecticut for the AAU National meet, winning the Junior division javelin on the first day and winning the Senior division javelin the following day. Marion competed for the USA track and field in Mexico City in the javelin, baseball throw and shot put, and was the high point earner for the international meet. She was coached by legendary coach, Doll Harris Forrest. Doll was one of the first women to receive a basketball scholarship in the 1930’s. A book was written about her team, “Dust Bowl Girls: The Inspiring Story of the Team That Barnstormed Its Way to Basketball Glory” by Lydia Reeder. Doll was a lifetime mentor to our mother. Marion’s skills on the basketball court earned her a full athletic scholarship to Wayland Baptist College. She was on the Flying Queens teams, which won five National Championships and set a record for the most games won in a row, 131. After nearly 70 years, that feat has yet to be broken. Her team was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Waco as “Pioneers of the game”, Women’s National Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Marion was a teacher for 38 years, both in Texas and Colorado. She also coached volleyball, basketball, and track. At Van, she never lost a district game in volleyball and played in 3 state championships. She held a variety of positions for the Texas Women’s High School Coaches Association, leading to her service as the President. Marion was inducted into the Texas Women’s High School Coaches Hall of Fame for her achievements on and off the court. She touched the lives of many students and always took the time to mentor others. In addition, she was an avid reader, especially the bible, and enjoyed nature and photography. 

She is survived by three children: Ray Young, Tana Young Bailey, and Rex Young; eight grandchildren: Taylor, Mason, Payton, Raegan, Jantzen, Jarrett, Claire, and Sydney; six great-grandchildren: Callum, Trinity, Tovi, Cato, Roxanne, and Tad; best friend of 53 years, Mary Ann Hopkins.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to Van ISD Education Foundation, PO Box 697, Van, Texas 75790; www.vanisdfoundation.com (contact Annie Byrd) 903.963.8719.