A. Marilyn Stonecipher Finer-Collins

A. Marilyn Stonecipher Finer-Collins, 92, of Houston, Texas, passed away on August 3, 2026. She was born October 8, 1933, in Houston to Marvin Dewey Stonecipher and Jean Pearl Bucher.

Marilyn lived a life marked by determination, service, and deep care for others. At Jeff Davis High School, she served as drum major of the Carlton Cadettes. She attended Texas Tech University, where she was a member of Mortar Board and Pi Beta Phi, later graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, and earned a master’s degree in education from the
University of Houston along with mid-management certification. She devoted her professional life to education and counseling in the Houston Independent School District, serving as a teacher, counselor, and Director of Guidance and Counseling. Her leadership was recognized with the Dragon Slayer Award from the Sharma Foundation and as Texas Outstanding Counselor. She served as president of the Texas Counseling Association and three of its divisions, helping organize state and national conventions and strengthening the work of counselors across Texas.

Faith and service remained central to Marilyn’s life after retirement. She was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and served as a Stephen Minister. She was also twice Regent of the Ann Poage Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served as a state vice-chair. She will be remembered for her independence, confidence, organizational talent, generosity, and lasting desire to find joy.

Marilyn was the devoted mother of Allison Elaine Finer. She is also survived by her brother, Marvin “Butch” Eugene Stonecipher; stepchildren Ron (wife: Sharon) and Rue (husband: Bill); nieces and nephews Brian (wife: Christi), Michael (wife: Kara), Jon (wife: Krista), Kari, Christopher, Kurt, Kimberly (husband: John), and Connie Renee (husband: Abraham); great-nephews Daniel, David (wife: Sairy), Steven (wife: Kristi), Cameron (wife: Deysi), Canyon, Jacob, Jack, Patrick, Cameron, and Charlie; great-nieces Jessica (husband: Conrad), Callie, Emily, Ellie, and Ani; step-grandchildren Dath (wife: Angie) and Cara (husband: Casey); and step-great-grandchildren Harrison, Cash, Lane, and Clover.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Kenneth Stonecipher and Jay Stonecipher; her parents, Marvin and Jean Stonecipher; and her husband, Richard Wallace Collins.

Services are scheduled for Friday, August 14, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with the Visitation starting at 12pm and the Funeral Service beginning at 1pm.  Burial will follow at Forest Park Lawndale at 3pm.

Please sign the online guest book to let the family know you were here thinking of them.