It is with grief and peaceful acceptance that we announce the death of Marilyn Lissberger, 83. She died peacefully on August 30, 2024, in Denton, Texas after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

She was born on February 14, 1941, in Hackett, Arkansas, to Fern and Ollis Howard.

Marilyn - known as Lenni to her friends - loved people and had the heart of a servant. She spent time as a volunteer at a children's tuberculosis hospital in Haiti. Lenni enjoyed reaching out and building relationships with those so often neglected in our communities. She loved spending Sunday mornings in worship at an "open-air church" she started at a park in Bryan, Texas. There were no walls, no collection plates, just the love of community and the teachings of Jesus.

Lenni held three degrees - a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Texas Woman's University, a Master of Journalism from the University of North Texas and a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at TCU, all completed after she was 50 years old.

She was a wordsmith who loved writing and learning. She wrote songs, played the guitar and sang. She had a great recipe for fried chicken and if you asked nicely, she would be happy to cook it for you day or night. Lenni enjoyed a wealth of family, friends and many adventures.

Lenni is survived by her partner, Teri A Massengale of Denton, Texas, sister Carla Fiant (Wally, deceased) of Colorado, grandson Zachery Ray Perryman of Oregon and several nieces and nephews.

Lenni was preceded in death by her son Micheal Ray Perryman and her sister Diane Dieb.

Lenni enjoyed the friendship and love of many communities. She cherished relationships forged over time. She had a special place in her heart for a group of fellow journalism students from TWU that remained important friends.

There are no services planned at this time. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org or plant some trees.

For those who knew her, please take a little time to remember the sound of her voice, the sparkle in her eyes, her beautiful smile and laughter. She will be forever remembered, loved and missed.