Marilyn Ann Cavaness

Marion Marilyn Ann Cavaness passed away on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 12:30 A.M. at her home with her loving family. Marilyn was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1931 the daughter of Zeke and Pearl (Holland) Johnson. Marilyn has been a lifetime resident of Marion attending Marion Schools. After high school Marilyn attended Southeast Missouri University and then transferred to Southern Illinois University where she received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education. Marilyn married L.C. Cavaness on December 23, 1951 and as a special couple they have shared fifty eight years of marriage. Marilyn retired from teaching in the Marion School System in 1987. She first taught Physical Education in the Jr. High School and later taught fourth grade at the Logan and Washington Schools. She was a dedicated loving teacher and is remembered fondly by many as a favorite. Marilyn continued to be busy after retirement throughout the community. She was a devoted member of the First Christian Church, always encouraging others to be a part of church life. She was a member of the Christian Women Fellowship and the Chancel Choir. She was a lifetime member of the Marion Hospital Auxiliary, on the founding board of the Marion Cultural and Civic Center Foundation, and loyal Patron and Benefactor. She was an enthusiastic spokesperson in support of raising awareness and funding the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. Marilyn was a member of P.E.O., Fortnightly Club, Alpha Delta Kappa Educational Sorority and Delta Theta Tau (Beta Delta Chapter). Marilyn was honored as Citizen of the Year in 1997 by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and with the Mayors Award in 2003. Marilyn will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her survivors include her husband L.C., daughter Lynn Nadler (Rick) of Columbus, Ohio, sons Joel Cavaness (Margaret) of Chicago, Illinois and Jonathan Cavaness (Lisa) of Marion; grandchildren Christa Nadler of Chicago, Illinois, Justin Nadler of Madison, Wisconsin, Morgan Cavaness of St. Louis, Missouri, Nicholas Cavaness and Zachary Cavaness of Marion. Her sister Emily Deason and sisters-in-law Georgeann Johnson, Dorothy Mercer, Pat Chamberlain; nieces Mary Ann Stotlar (Fred), Grace Jean Schweitzer (Bryan), Georgette Snell (Bill), Terry Diehl (Paul) and nephews Jim Johnson, Mick Mercer (Delores), Steve Chamberlain (Kathy); and her great nieces and nephews, devoted friends and loving caregivers. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Zeke and Pearl Johnson, her brother George Johnson, brothers-in-law, Jack Deason, Bob Mercer and Ray Chamberlain. Marilyn would want her family, friends, and caregivers to know how very much she loved them and appreciated their kindnesses. She felt her life was very blest by their presence in her life. Funeral services will be Monday, May 3, 2010 at 11 A.M. at the First Christian Church with Rev. Bill Rucker and Gary Rothenberger officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery with Father Richard Mohr officiating. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 4 8 P.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home. On Monday the casket will be taken to the church at 9:30 A.M. For those who prefer in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church, Arthritis Foundation of Southern Illinois or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, IL 62959 or at the church on Monday.