Marilyn R. Hastings, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., entered into the presence of her Lord Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at River Mist Assisted Living in Poplar Bluff surrounded by family.
Marilyn, the daughter of the late Marion Starling and Nora Vernettie (Miller) Stone was born Jan. 4, 1931 in Detroit, Mich. She graduated from Williamsville High School in 1947 as salutatorian. Marilyn was an active and faithful member of First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of the Sonshine Sunday School Class, Sanctuary Adult Choir, as well as the ladies Rejoice Ensemble. Marilyn loved her church and her church family dearly. Having started her employment in the healthcare field at Lucy Lee Hospital in 1961, she had retired as the Human Resource Director at Lucy Lee Hospital/Three Rivers Healthcare. Marilyn’s family followed in her footsteps which resulted in over 200 years of service in the same facility. She enjoyed spending time with her family, singing, puzzling, reading, and taking care of others. She was also a member of the Neva Sparkman Quilting Group. You could often find Marilyn enjoying quilting with her friends at her church. Marilyn enjoyed cooking, and many fond memories of holiday and family dinners have been made and are cherished.
On July 31, 1948 she married George D. Brown in Poplar Bluff. From that union were born four children, Sandra Brown, Karen Hast (Dennis), and Ruth Ann Brown, all of Poplar Bluff and one son who preceded her in death, Donald W. Brown.
On Feb. 16, 1979 she married James W. Hastings in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death Oct. 17, 2015, as did a Stepson, Larry Hastings. Two other stepsons survive, Dr. Michael Hastings and Randy Hastings, both of Poplar Bluff. Marilyn has one sister, Wanda Poirier of Jensen Beach, Fla. Marilyn was “Grandmother” and loved all her grandchildren dearly. Six grandchildren include, Jami Kendle (Phillip) of Jackson, Mo., Penny Hudson (Billy) of Poplar Bluff, Stacy Dichsen (Andy) of O’Fallon, Ill., Holly Kopp of Wildwood, Mo., Shannon Tiffany of Poplar Bluff and Donald “Donnie” Brown, Jr., who preceded her in death, and his wife, Melissa Brown of Poplar Bluff. 14 great-grandchildren: Kaden Kendle, Karlie Kendle, Hunter Hudson (Miranda), Savannah Hudson, Taylor Dichsen, Peyton Dichsen, Austin Dichsen, Kaitlyn Kopp, Madelyn Kopp, Cody Brown, Alyssa Brown, Gracie Brown, Michael Tiffany and Lukas Tiffany. One great-great grandson, Landon Brown.
Marilyn never met a stranger and has left an influential impact on this community. Her love for her Lord was very evident in everything she did, and her smile could never be forgotten. Surely the Lord needed more than one crown for this precious jewel.
The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff with the funeral service following with the Rev. Jim Schremp and Brandon Spain officiating. The burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Children’s School of Poplar Bluff or the First Baptist Music Ministry.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com
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