Marla Michelle Germany was born on September 28, 1978, in Tyler, Texas to her loving, amazing, and Godly examples of parents - Randy and Mary Gail Smith. She graduated from Chapel Hill High School and attended Tyler Junior College. She also spent two years at East Texas Baptist University. 

As a kid, Marla was a part of a musical theatre choir group who performed all over the country, and she got the chance to sing for President George Bush Senior in Washington D.C. As a teen, she enjoyed cheerleading and continued to perform for her church and community. She loved going on many mission trips as a teen and had such a heart for the hurting and those in need. Marla was signed to Williams Talent Agency in Sugarland as a professional actress and did work as a commercial print model, modeled for David’s Bridal, and was a voice-over actress specializing in cartoon character voices and appearances. She continued to do fun commercials and projects even while receiving cancer treatments. 

She loved working with children, teaching preschool, dance classes, children’s church, teaching GA’s and Sunday school, leading women’s Bible Studies, speaking to groups of women and youth, as well as being the MC for events and performing with her church drama department. She loved to motivate and encourage them in their love for God and people. Her zest for life and people was contagious. She had such a giving and servant’s heart. She was such a strong and brave warrior princess! She was always cracking jokes and just couldn’t contain her big personality. No matter the situation she faced, she was always so positive! She would light up a room everywhere she went. She could tell a good story, and she had a lot of funny ones! She could do the best impersonations of people. She often made new friends wherever she went. She loved big and loved like Jesus. She truly loved everyone from all walks of life, and if you knew Marla, you loved her. She wasn’t just beautiful on the outside, but she was so very beautiful on the inside as well. She left a sparkle of fun on everything. 

Marla was married to her devoted husband and forever boyfriend, Ronnie Germany. They were high school sweethearts and married for 28 years. They were the true definition of soulmates and best friends. Ronnie was the absolute love of her life. They had the best life together and spent the most amazing years of their lives together. They enjoyed laughing together a lot, traveling, weekly date nights, and just loved being parents to their 3 girls while being a team! They loved spending time with close friends and their extended family. He always made her laugh. They loved designing and contracting homes. Marla had a unique gift for interior design, and it showed in the many homes they built and helped others achieve their dream homes. 

Marla’s passion and greatest accomplishment in life was raising her amazing, Godly girls. They were her whole heart and soul. When they were young, she loved volunteering at their schools and also in the community. As her girls Riley and Reese became teens, God placed it on Marla’s heart to make a difference in a child’s life. He called their family to foster and adopt the most beautiful child, Rynlee Love. She was only 3 days old when she came home to their family on Marla’s birthday! Marla was so honored that God chose her to be Rynlee’s mama! 

Marla’s 3 amazing girls are what will keep her spirit and her light shining in this world. Riley is a teacher, and she loves children and caring for everyone. Reese’s singing and making God’s name known all over. Rynlee lights up any room with her smile, joy, and her unbelievable testimony of God’s goodness. 

Marla loved the Lord and served and honored Him with her whole heart all of her life. Her faith was evident and her love for Jesus and people was inspirational. She doesn’t want us to be sad right now but encouraged that she is now singing and dancing in the Heavenly choir and having the most amazing time rejoicing with the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS! And for a personality like Marla’s soul has, that is BEYOND WONDERFUL! So, crank up some worship music and just imagine the overwhelming JOY she is feeling right now! Celebrate all God has done and will continue to do through Marla’s life and legacy. 

Marla’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9th at 2:00 PM in The Chapel at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a fund in honor of Marla to help care for their daughters Riley, Reese, and Rynlee as they walk through the days ahead. This fund will be used to support immediate needs and future special events for the girls. To contribute, please visit: https://gofund.me/f7eea260e. Thank you for surrounding them with love, prayer, and support.