Marie Perry Kline

Marie Perry Kline of Belton, Texas, passed away on June 28, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Marie was the unwavering embodiment of grit and grace.

Born on December 12, 1952, in Tokyo, Japan, to George Perry and Aiko Shimizu, Marie grew up with a deep curiosity and an early love of learning. Books quickly became her favorite companions. She graduated from Temple High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology from Howard Payne University.

Marie began her career at Scott & White Hospital, where she worked in the tissue culture lab conducting cutting-edge medical research. She later chose to devote herself fully to raising her children, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. Once life settled into a new rhythm, Marie channeled her creative spirit into launching Sweet Briar Nursery and created her own landscape design business, Garden Gate Design Studio. She retired from Temple College in December 2020, having served as the Science and Lab Coordinator with tireless dedication.

Marie’s passions extended far beyond her professional life. She was a loyal friend, an avid reader, a phenomenal dancer, and a passionate gardener. As Chapter President of the Native Plant Society of Texas, she advocated for the beauty and importance of native flora. She found joy and peace in the natural world--hiking, camping, and watching birds from her kitchen window. Marie was also a warm and welcoming cook, famous for her Christmas cookies, which she gifted generously to friends, family, and neighbors every holiday season. She had a special love for Chow Chows and fostered many through the Houston Chow Chow Connection. In the last 15 years of her life, Marie discovered one of her greatest passions—dancing. Whether it was the Two-Step or the Tango, she brought energy and joy to every room and every dance floor. Marie truly loved to live.

Despite all she accomplished, Marie always said her greatest achievements were her four children. Her love for them was fierce, constant, and unquestionable.

Marie is survived by her four children and their spouses: Lauren and Jason Hollis, Mitchell and Lesley Kline, Alex and Kim Kline, and David and Mindy Kline; six beloved grandchildren: Jacob, Olivia, Henry, Esme, Margaret, and Joanna; her brothers and their wives, Billy and Linda Perry, and Jimmy and Kay Perry; several nieces and nephews, and her sweet pup, Ellie. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Aiko.

Marie lived her life fully and fearlessly. She was admired for her strength, determination, and the unshakable belief that she could do anything she put her mind to. Her legacy is one of wisdom, resilience, creativity, and love.

A memorial service celebrating Marie’s life will be held in the fall; details will be shared at a later date.