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Marilyn Ferrell
CHARLESTON, Mo. — Marilyn Ann Bell Ferrell, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022.
She was born June 9, 1944, in North St. Louis, Missouri, and was the only child of Verl Riley Bell and Lois Flora Timmerman Bell. Marilyn married Fred Hughes Ferrell of Charleston on Feb. 8, 1964.
As a child, Marilyn was baptized and later confirmed in the Bera Lutheran Church in Riverview. Marilyn graduated from Riverview Gardens High School on June 7, 1962. While in high school, she was active in the Yearbook Club, Choir, Bowling Club, Building Council, Drama Club, Float Committee and was a Ramette. In the fall of 1962, she attended the University of Missouri, Columbia. At Mizzou, she enjoyed many activities and was selected as the Sweetheart for the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. It was there at Mizzou where she soon met her husband, Fred, of 55 years.
The charm and allure of small-town life in Charleston captivated her city girl heart immediately. As soon as she arrived in Charleston, she immersed herself in the community serving in the Junior Study Club (past president), Girl Scout troop leader and social committee organizer. Marilyn could do anything…from being a skilled seamstress, who beautifully Smocked and learned to French hand sew, to reupholstering furniture and wall papering, she was game for anything new.
Marilyn loved all things flowers and was a member of the Molly French Garden Club. She later became a certified Master Gardner. Marilyn was often called upon to make flower arrangements for parties, weddings, showers and many church activities at both Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church and the Charleston United Methodist Church. Marilyn loved to serve and volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, UMYF Leader, VBS volunteer and worked any church potluck or fundraiser. Later, she joined the “Ding-a-lings” Handbell Choir at NMUMC and thoroughly enjoyed the Wednesday Women’s Bible Study group and the lunch bunch at CUMC.
For years, Marilyn enjoyed working the Annual Dogwood Azalea Festival Plant Sale and served as a Step-On Guide for all the bus tours. She was a member of PEO Chapter CV, past board member of the Bootheel Counseling Center, and a skilled bridge competitor; however, shopper extraordinaire truly describes her best.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents, parents and husband Fred. She is survived by her children and grandchildren: her son, Britton Hughes (Anna Peters) Ferrell of Charleston; her daughter, Brooks Timmerman (Jonathan Paul) Yoviene of Kirkwood, Missouri; grandchildren – Anna Riley Yoviene, William Hughes Ferrell, Jonathan Ferrell Yoviene, Elise Timmerman Ferrell, Laurel Elizabeth Yoviene.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at the United Methodist Church in Charleston with the Reverend Martin Lucas officiating.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour. Interment will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Charleston under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be: William Ferrell, Ferrell Yoviene, Taylor Burke, Jamie McDowell, Bobby Joe Clark and John Story. Those serving as honorary pallbearers include Emmett Burke, Jim Burke, Elott Raffety, Grady McHaney, Jerry Whittington, and William Brewer.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be made to the Charleston United Methodist Church, PO Box 351, Charleston, MO 63834 or the Molly French Garden Club.