Marilyn "Mimi" Farris

Marilyn "Mimi" Farris, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully on May 14, 2025, at age 95, in Fort Worth from natural causes. Marilyn was born January 6, 1930, in Fort Worth, the only child of Roberta Allen and Borden (Bo) McCombs. Marilyn spent her childhood on Fort Worth's Northside, where her father was a well-known pharmacist, operating a pharmacy store at the corner of North Main and Central Avenue. Although an only child, Marilyn was surrounded by a large extended family living within one block. Marilyn and her cousin, Sharon Allen, were inseparable; they were born one day apart and celebrated birthdays and other life events together, including choosing and wearing the same wedding dress.

During her preteens, Marilyn's family moved to the TCU area. In 1946, at age 16, she graduated from Paschal High School. In the fall of 1946, she enrolled as a drama major at TCU. In 1948, Marilyn met Robert L. "Bob" Monger at a dance at Casino Beach, and shortly thereafter, they were married. She and Bob had four children together: Lee, Terry, and twins Kay and Len. One of Marilyn's favorite stories to tell was that she always wanted four children, however, Bob only wanted three. When the twins were born, Bob said "that's a sneaky way to get four kids!"

In 1961, a single mom, with her mother's and aunt's help, Marilyn returned to TCU and completed her undergraduate degree in history and a master's degree in Spanish. From 1968 to 1970, she taught history at Poly High School. In 1970, she accepted a position at Tarrant County College in the basic studies program, advancing to associate department chair. In September 1972, Marilyn moved to Austin, Texas, to complete her Ph.D. in curriculum design at the University of Texas.

Upon returning to Fort Worth in 1973, Marilyn held an executive position with the Texas Education Consortium, traveling across the state to provide expert consultation on higher education instruction and administration. In 1978, she accepted the position of Director of Education at Planned Parenthood, touring nationwide and providing education on reproductive health services and advocacy. In 1983, Marilyn returned to academia as a contract specialist in basic education curriculum, retiring in 1986.

Marilyn believed education was the key to success for everyone, especially women, and advocated for women's rights and equality. She had firsthand experience with how difficult it was for a woman, especially a single mother, to be treated fairly and with respect. She was part of the movement for women to have the right to maintain financial independence from their husbands, such as obtaining credit in their name. She and her close friends, Jean Crane, Karen Perkins, Mary Lyons, and others, discussed on many occasions how difficult it was for divorced middle-aged women who had been homemakers, with children, to now be in the role of "breadwinner." This extraordinary group of women coined the term "displaced homemaker" and advocated for a non-profit center where "displaced homemakers" could find support, education, and training. In the summer of 1979, the idea became the Women's Center of Tarrant County. Marilyn and others served as original founding board members and were unpaid volunteers. In addition to advocating for women, Marilyn was an avid reader, enjoyed playing bridge, and researching her family genealogy.

On August 21, 1975, Marilyn married the love of her life, Vernon Farris, and received a "bonus daughter." Marilyn and Vernon enjoyed family, friends, and travel. They were married for 37 years until Vernon's death in February 2013. Marilyn was also preceded in death by her parents and three children: Len, Lee, and Terry.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Kay Thomas (Gary) and Vicki McMillan (David); daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Holloway Monger; 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Per Marilyn's wishes, no service is planned. The internment will take place at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on a later date.

Should you desire, in Marilyn's memory, please consider a donation to the Women's Center of Tarrant County or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Broadway at Centerview and Heart 2 Heart Hospice for their loving and exceptional care of Marilyn.