Marlene Helen Carter Whitehead, age 92, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and the faith that guided her throughout her life.

She was born to William and Hazel Carter, on May 5, 1934, in Pasadena, California. She was the first of three siblings: Norman and Jim. She graduated from Ysleta High School in 1952, in El Paso, Tx. In 1953, she began her nursing school journey at Lubbock Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Lubbock, Tx. She began her journey at Methodist Hospital in Lubbock, Tx. Marlene dedicated her life to caring for others. As a nurse, she spent many years serving her patients with kindness, skill, and a gentle heart. Nursing was more than a profession to her—it was a calling that reflected her deep commitment to helping those in need. Throughout her career, she remained devoted to the same hospital, building a legacy of compassionate care and unwavering service until she retired in 1996. Her nursing legacy lives on through the members of her family and their devotion to Covenant Health.

She married Jack Whitehead on Oct.8th, 1954, and together they built a loving home and family. They treasured time spent on the golf course and attending Texas Tech sporting events together. Marlene is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jacqueline Smith; daughter, Tracey Larsen and her husband Brian; three grandchildren, Daniel, Jonathan, and Brittany; four great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Leighton, Ledger, and Halle. Marlene was a woman of remarkable strength, compassion, and unwavering faith. Above all else, she was a devoted mother who poured her love, wisdom, and strength into raising her two daughters. She taught them the values of hard work, integrity, compassion, and faith, setting an example that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Her relationship with God was the foundation of her life. Through every joy and challenge, her faith remained steadfast. She found comfort and purpose in prayer, worship, and serving others, and she shared that faith through both her words and her actions. Marlene was a talented artist who enjoyed creating pen-and-ink drawings and writing poetry. She found joy in nature, especially in watching and listening to birds. She loved spending time with her family, playing Yahtzee with friends, and tending to her garden.

Those who knew Marlene will remember her as a strong woman with a caring spirit, a generous heart, and a quiet resilience that carried her through life's many seasons. She touched countless lives through her work, her family, and her unwavering devotion to her beliefs.

While her family mourns her passing, they also celebrate a life beautifully lived—a life marked by love, service, faith, and strength. Her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched and in the family she cherished so deeply.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23