Sarilee Ferguson

Sarilee Ferguson, 93, passed away into Heaven Tuesday, February 25, 2025. 

The funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 28, in the chapel at the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas with Judge Ralph Strother officiating. Burial will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 27, at the funeral home. 

Mrs. Ferguson was born in Beaumont, Texas, to Lois and Clyde Marchbanks October 27, 1931. She attended Beaumont schools before attending Baylor University. She graduated in 1952 with a degree in Journalism and Political Science and was editor of the Baylor yearbook, The Roundup.

In that same year, she married Sam Ferguson, and together they raised their three children in Waco. Later, she taught school for 11 years at University High School and Midway High School. In addition to teaching, she sponsored the yearbook, newspaper, and Student Council. She kept in contact with many of her students throughout the years.

From the time she was a child, helping her father in political campaigns, she developed an interest in politics. In 1978, she started her own business as a professional political and fundraising consultant. In addition to the many Republican campaigns, she managed and assisted with on national, state, and local levels, she also worked on nonprofit fundraising.

Mrs. Ferguson came from a long line of Republican Party activists dating back to the 1920s. In 1928, her great-aunt was named the first Republican National Committeewoman from Texas, following the advent of women’s suffrage.

She was a member of the Texas State Republican Executive Committee, appointed by Governor Bill Clements, and worked three sessions in the Texas House of Representatives. In 1979 and 1980, she worked on staff for George H.W. and Barbara Bush, and in 1984 for the Reagan-Bush campaign. She was the assistant campaign manager for the Texas George H.W. Bush Primary in 1988. She also managed and consulted numerous state and local political campaigns until her retirement in 2021.

Throughout her professional years, she befriended many interesting people who afforded her much enjoyment, enrichment, and many laughs and surprises.

In 1990, Mrs. Ferguson was appointed as a public member to the Texas State Bar Board of Directors by Governor Bill Clements. She also served on the State Bar Foundation Board and the Commission on Lawyer Discipline over the next 15 years.

Mrs. Ferguson’s first priority, after her Christian faith commitment, was her children and grandchildren. Through the years, they made many wonderful memories of family good times, trips, cruises, ballgames, graduations, weddings, stories told (some embellished!), and numerous other events. She and her grandchildren enjoyed many fun antics, perhaps not always approved of by their parents! Her greatest pride was her family. There was never a time when her children and grandchildren were not a priority, and she was always planning for the next adventure with them.

She had three special lifetime friends from her Baylor years, which she treasured. They and their families spent many memorable times together at Baylor football games and other events, as well as on vacations and travels. She was a dedicated Baylor supporter and especially enjoyed Baylor sports.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and other close relatives. 

She is survived by her three children: Sam and wife Susan; David; Judy and husband Reggie; five grandchildren: Erica and husband Steve; Michael and wife Virginia; Andrew and wife Shelby; Megan; Ryne; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Ferguson often expressed her gratitude to all those—family and friends—who touched her life in so many ways during her years on earth.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or a charity of choice.

Her family invite you to leave a message or memory in Mrs. Ferguson's “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.