Marilyn June Wilkes, of Crocker, was born on February 16, 1939, at Hancock, a daughter of Gerald John and Ava Oneida (Drace) Marso, and departed this life at 2:30 p.m., Friday, November 16, 2012 at her residence near Crocker. Marilyn had been in failing health and had attained the age of 73 years and nine months.

Marilyn was united in marriage on September 21, 1957, at Iberia, to James Homer Wilkes and to this union, three children were born. She was preceded in death by her father on May 25, 1999; her mother on July 22, 1994 and one sister, Beverly Ann Marso on November 20, 1970.

Marilyn was baptized at a young age and was a member of the Hilltop Christian Union Church, Crocker, where she had taught Sunday School for many years. During her working life, Marilyn had been employed at LBJ Manufacturing, Iberia for several years and later at Andy's Shortstop, Crocker, as well as being a loving and devoted housewife and homemaker. She was very devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed gardening, flowers and watching birds.

Those left to mourn the passing of Marilyn include: her husband, Homer Wilkes, Crocker; three daughters and one son-in-law, Sherry McDowell, Crocker; Gayla and Harold Smith, Richland and Carla Meyer, Crocker; four brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Mary Marso, Crocker; Gary and Norma Marso, Crocker; Gerald and Hazel Marso, Richland and Joe and Kim Marso, Iberia; one sister and brother-in-law, Nina and JR Black, Richland; five grandchildren, Amanda McDowell, Melinda McDowell, Scot Nelson and wife, Burgandy, Dana Meyer and Daniel McDowell; one step-granddaughter, Amber Fischer; four great-grandchildren, Christopher Nelson, Jesse Goldsmith, Adam Bowling, and Ryan Nelson; one step-great-grandchild, Dawsyn Weber; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Marilyn at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2012, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker, with Bro. Billy Claiborn, pastor of Hilltop Christian Union Church, Crocker officiating. "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross" were played for the service and Gary Crawford played a special song selection on his harmonica.

Interment was in the Crocker Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Marilyn were Chris Black, Greg Black, Rob Black, Dwayne Marso, Dwight Marso and Alan Marso. Honorary pallbearers were Gary Thornsberry, Billy Medlen, Scot Nelson, Daniel McDowell and Harold Smith.


Memorial contributions are suggested by the family to the Crocker Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund or the Hilltop Christian Union Church, Crocker with envelopes available at the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Crocker.