Marilyn Jayne Durham's Obituary
ST. CLAIR, MI-Marilyn Jayne Durham, 90, passed peacefully at home on Friday, May 10, 2024.Marilyn was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and husband of 62 years, H. Donald Durham (“Bugs”) on November 8, 2014 and their son Hugh Durham, Jr. on May 17,2011.Marilyn is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and Janet Durham of St. Clair; her daughter-in-law, Kay Durham of Mount Vernon, IL; and her son-in-law and daughter, Dr. Keith and Jennifer Hohf of St. Clair. Marilyn was blessed to have grandchildren: Jason Durham of Mount Vernon, IL, Dwayne Durham of Johnston City, IL; Jacob (Michelle) Durham and Katie (Ben) Nardelli of St, Clair, MI; Jasmine (Dan) Gilbert of Port Huron, MI and Jadeyn Sattler of St. Clair, MI. Her great-grandchildren are Kailor and Blayne Durham; Cailyn Hutton and Nolan Durham; Carson and Charlotte Hamilton, and their baby sister Coral Joy Gilbert. Marilyn was born on January 1, 1934 to the late Ernest and Opal Smith in Johnston City, IL. She is survived by her sisters Dorothy Thompson of St. Charles, IL and Carolyn (John) Grant of Johnston City, IL, and her brother-in-law, Dale Huegen of O’Fallon, IL. Marilyn was a coal miner’s daughter and was one of nine children. She was preceded in death by her sisters and brother-in-laws Alma (Horace Dent) Grant, Bonnie (Luther) KInley, Patsy(Charles “Buddy”) Anderson, all of Johnston City, IL and Cynthia Huegen of O’Fallon, IL as well as her brothers and sister-in-laws, LaVerne and Martina Smith formerly of Zion, IL and William Herbert and Margaret Ann Smith formerly of Johnston City, IL. Marilyn was a loving aunt to hernieces and nephews. Marilyn was blessed to be cared for by Kim Bica, RN, and Dr. John Mullally . The exceptional care resulted in her longevity and was concomitant with her ever giving love to family. Marilyn was a graduate of Johnston City High School. She was the recipient of the Daughters of American Revolution Award, a scholarship presented to high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Marilyn studied Special Education at Southern Illinois University, and Michigan State University. She also studied Criminal Justice at Ferris State University. She was an exercise, nutrition, and sports enthusiast who was fiercely competitive. Marilyn was one of the first St. Clair Little League girls’ softball coaches to capture a District 7 Championship title. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the St. Clair Global United Methodist Church, 415 North 3rd, St. Clair, MI. Family and friends are invited to visit from 11a.m.-12 p.m. All are welcome to attend the service at 12 p.m. because in Marilyn’s world, “If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re early, you’re on time. ”Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Clair Global United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund or the St. Clair Little League Legacy Fund, 300 Fairway Drive, St. Clair, MI 48079.
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