Marilyn J. HughesNorris City, IL

Marilyn J. Hughes, 88, of Norris City went home to be with the her Lord on Friday, October 20, 2023.  She was born in Mill Shoals, Illinois on February 12, 1935, the daughter of Raymond and Grace Ethel (Davis) Johnson.

     Marilyn was a true inspiration to her entire family. She made her commitment to the Lord on October 23, 1948. She was known for her service and love for her Lord and Savior. Marilyn faithfully attended Powell General Baptist Church since childhood. She enjoyed her role as church pianist for over 60 years. She and Bernard met at Powell Church and at the age of thirteen, she created a quartet with her sister Delores, Bernard, and his brother Harold. She and Bernard married in 1952. They raised four children in the same country home, where she continued to live for the remainder of her life. Marilyn loved being a farm wife, often bringing meals to the field and driving the grain truck. She always put out a large garden, and spent her summers canning and freezing the garden's produce. Marilyn was an excellent cook and the grandkids always looked forward to her homemade rolls, chicken and dumplings, and chocolate cake.

      In earlier years, she taught her daughters to sew and she made most of their clothes. Later in life, Marilyn spent her time hand-quilting and has quilted well over 100 quilts, often designing her own quilt patterns. Marilyn's life was a perfect example of a life well lived, and will be a lasting testimony and inspiration to her family and generations to come.

     Marilyn is survived by two daughters, Dinah (Don) Allen of Norris City, and Mavis Tate of Carmi; two sons, Denzil (Debbie) Hughes and Marcus (Teresa) Hughes, both of Norris City; seven grandchildren, Daniel (Christina) Allen, David (Amanda) Allen, Seth (Melinda) Tate, Clayton (Alex) Tate, Bryan O'Neal, Trenton Hughes, and Hillary (George) Yates; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard in February 2018.

     Visitation will be held at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City, followed by graveside services at Powell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Marilyn's memory to the Powell General Baptist Church and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home, who is in charge of the arrangements.