Services will be held May 1 at Abundant Life Ministries in Jefferson for Marilyn Anne Shearman, 86, of Coon Rapids, longtime Jefferson resident.
Pastor Isaak Wangler will offer words of comfort. Miranda Sebourn will accompany congregational singing. The nurse honor guard of Calhoun County will provide a nurse honor guard tribute. Honorary bearers will be Tom Sherman, Dick Davis, Richard Nelson, Dan Wise, Sid Jones and Bruce Binkley.
Casket bearers will be Terry Lang, Dean Rogers, Tom Lawton and Dave Schroeder. Interment will be at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery.
Marilyn was born in Jefferson Nov. 1, 1936, the only child of Harold and Gladys Shearman. She and her parents lived on a family Century Farm south of town. She was a “country school” girl until fourth grade when she then attended “city school” in Jefferson through high school graduation. In high school Marilyn entertained her friends with her quick wit. She was a faithful friend to all. She always had the lead in high school musicals. She had a beautiful singing voice. She could put on slumber parties that were second to none. When the girls were full of brownies Marilyn’s dad would give them a ride in his plane. Not a good combination. Yuck! When Marilyn became a spirit-filled Christian, she always referred to Jesus as “SWEET JESUS!” Oh, how she loved him.
Marilyn’s Aunt Helen and Aunt Dorothy were both nurses and Marilyn wanted to follow in their footsteps, so she enrolled in the Iowa Lutheran Nursing School in Des Moines. This led to a rewarding career full of adventure which took her to Denver, California, Florida, Georgia, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Rome, and Jerusalem.
Marilyn returned to Jefferson to continue her nursing at Greene County Medical Center while also caring for her parents until their deaths. After 39 years of nursing Marilyn retired. She joined Abundant Life Ministries and soon became recognized as the happy soul she was, full of laughter which drew friends and neighbors to her side. Those relationships lasted and served her throughout her later years.
Marilyn was a Giver Deluxe. Every Christmas season, Marilyn purchased lovely poinsettias for the church platform. She loved to purchase presents and gift them to many! Over the years, women at Abundant Life Ministries received lovely pieces of jewelry from Marilyn. The men were not forgotten. They received coats and sweaters. Her pastors, Dave and Becky Schroeder, were held dear by Marilyn. She always honored them with generous gifts on their birthdays and holidays. They cared for her kindly.
Marilyn remained in her home until December 2018, when she moved into The Gardens assisted living in Jefferson. In November 2022 she moved to Thomas Rest Haven nursing home in Coon Rapids where she received the love and care she needed at her stage of life. Marilyn peacefully went home to meet her SWEET JESUS April 24, 2023. She was loved and will be missed by many.
Donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to Jefferson Public Library, 200 W Lincoln Way, Jefferson, IA 50129 or Greene County Community Foundation (check payable to: Greater Des Moines Community Foundation; memo: Greene County Community Foundation; mail to Home State Bank, W. 115 State St, Jefferson, IA 50129. Please attach a note indicating in memory of Marilyn Shearman.)
Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.
