Mary Martha "Markie" Weaver Silvestri

Mary Martha Weaver Silvestri, known to her friends and family as Markie, was born October 31, 1927, in Fort Worth, Texas, and passed away June 27, 2025.  Her parents were Dr. Orin Klippert Weaver and Cannie Rhea Weaver. Markie was raised on Grand Avenue and graduated from North Side High School in 1945.

She attended North Texas State College (now University of North Texas) and graduated in 1950 with a degree in education and a minor in art. Markie loved her college years. A member of Kappa Delta sorority, she never missed a performance of the legendary One O’clock Lab Band — and dances. In fact, Markie wouldn’t accept a date with anyone who wasn’t a good dancer.

She was in the Los Caballeros Riding Club and the Alpha Rho Tau art club. She rode in the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo parade, often with her beloved horse Carlos.

After graduating, Markie went to work as a technical illustrator for Lockheed Martin, known then as Convair or locally as the bomber plant. It was there that she met her first husband, Barvo N. Walker. They had two children, Neil and Elise.

Markie worked there as a technical illustrator from 1953 to 1992, leaving in 1957 to raise her children. She returned in 1976 until retirement in 1992.

In 1986 Markie married Delio R. Silvestri. Their life together was full of travel, culture, joy, and adventure: They often headed east in the autumn to see the brilliant colors of turning leaves. They attended the annual Fiesta in San Antonio many times, and for more than 20 years, they rang in the New Year in a different major city that had a renowned symphony orchestra. Music and theater were vital to them, and they enjoyed the Fort Worth Symphony, movies, and concerts. Their marriage was a union of deep love and laughter.

Markie was known for her smile and vibrant personality. She was friendly and kind to all she met and the most loyal of friends. No one was a stranger. She was a lifelong member of Broadway Baptist Church where she was part of the Shepard Ministry. The hymns of her childhood held a special place in her heart.

She volunteered with many organizations, including, the North Fort Worth Historical Society, the National Cowgirl Museum Hall of Fame, and the Arthritis Foundation. For several years she was an emergency room volunteer at All Saints Episcopal Hospital. Now Baylor Scott and White. She was a member of Ridglea Country Club and The Fort Worth Woman’s Club.

Markie and Delio’s home was always a place of comfort and welcome to all who entered, with the American flag on prominent and proud display. Markie was a proud Texan and American, being one of the first to stand at the playing of the National Anthem.

Markie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James (Jimmy) Orin Klippert Weaver. She is survived by her loving husband Delio, son Neil Walker, and daughter Elise Walker; cousins Ann Gaylord and husband Bill; Ernest Parker and wife Sharon; niece Kristi Weaver Bonner and husband William; nephews Klip Weaver and wife Jana, and Kyle Weaver and wife Dena, along with great-nieces and great-great nieces and nephew. She is also survived by stepchildren Dr. Andrea Silvestri and Delio Antony (Tony) Silvestri and wife Lisa; step grandchildren Dr. Ashlea Feezel, Anna Silvestri, and Andrew Silvestri. And Tommy, the loyal family cat.

Markie’s family would like to thank Dr. Alan Davenport for his many years of care — she was crazy about him. And thanks to Sunrise Senior Living and Enhabit Hospice.

Visitation: The family will received friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2025 at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76114.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in the Chapel of Broadway Baptist Church, 305 W Broadway Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104. 

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Broadway Baptist Church.