Mary Vivian Marvel

Mary Vivian Roots Marvel of Amarillo, Texas and formerly of Follett, Texas went to her heavenly home on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 95 years of age. She was born on March 22, 1926 in Woodward, Oklahoma to Sam Brandon and Violet (Halline) Brandon. In her early childhood she was welcomed into the home of her maternal Grandmother, Lizzie Pinckard where she remained until she married Roy Roots in 1941. To this union three children were born Larry, Royena and Roberta.

Vivian worked in the medical records department at Newman Memorial Hospital, Shattuck, Oklahoma. While working as a single mother, she obtained her Follett High School diploma at 31 years of age. Her commitment to education and obtaining personal goals was on-going throughout her life. Vivian was a successful real estate agent for Coldwell Banker of Woodward for many years. She was able to develop many close relationships during her time as a realtor and achieved numerous top sales awards. She was cherished by her co-workers for her work ethic and her steadfast faith.

After her divorce to Roy, she moved to Woodward, Oklahoma where she would meet Gerald Marvel. They were united in marriage on February 14, 1981 in the First United Methodist Church, Woodward, Oklahoma. They left Woodward and purchased a home in Follett, Texas in 1981 to return to Vivian’s roots. She and Gerald established the Rawhide Cattle Company that was operated and managed by the family. The Rawhide Cattle Company is still operating today. After the passing of Gerald in 1992, Vivian remained in the home in Follett, Texas while continuing to sell real estate in Woodward until her retirement in 2006 and then re-located to Amarillo, Texas.

Although she was committed to her career, Vivian always made time for her family and their activities. She was very involved in her grandkids and great grandkids lives whether it was athletics, agriculture projects or church programs. Newspaper clippings were found throughout her home that she had kept through the years.  It was a Sunday tradition, for her to cook up a feast for her family! Some cherished memories were her homemade chicken and noodles, everyone’s favorite pies, and salads galore!

Vivian was a dedicated and active member of the United Methodist Church. Working to bring others to know and love Christ. It was her conviction to share her personal faith in order to encourage others to develop a personal relationship with the Lord. She lived her life as a servant leader, she never wanted to be recognized for the good deeds that she bestowed on others.

She was preceded in death by her mother Violet (Halline) Brandon, father Sam Brandon, grandmother Lizzie (Halline) Pinckard, half-sister Betty VanKamp, half-sister Joyce Hamilton, half-sister Juanita File, daughter Royena Sprouse.

Survivors include her son Larry Roots and wife Judy of Follett Texas; her daughter Roberta Redelsperger and husband Robert of Gilmer, Texas. Grandchildren, Dori Artis of Follett, Texas; Susie Parker and husband Scott of Amarillo, Texas; Derek Sprouse and wife Lynsia of Slapout, Oklahoma, Rashann Woodard and husband Mark of Gilmer, Texas; Mary Rashelle Cano and husband Charlie of Gilmer, Texas; Damon Sprouse and wife Dawn of Hutto, Texas. Great- Grandchildren Larren Artis of Follett, Texas; Madison and Brooke Parker of Amarillo, Texas; Hagan and Payton Sprouse of Slapout, Oklahoma; Madalyn and Macie Woodard of Gilmer, Texas;  Analese, Lucas and Devin Cano of Gilmer, Texas; Avery and Landon Sprouse of Hutto, Texas. Survivors also include a host of additional family and close friends.