Marilyn Kay Cook Upchurch

Marilyn Kay Cook Upchurch, age 70 years, a resident of Marion, Illinois and a former resident of Johnson County, passed away Monday evening, April 12, 2021, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Marilyn was born October 27, 1950 in Fairfield, Illinois. She was the youngest of three children of Roscoe and Charlteen (Withrow) Bullock. The family moved to Goreville in 1959 and then to Dutchman Lake Road in 1963. On May 30, 1969, Marilyn was united in marriage to James O. “Jim” Cook at Busby Chapel Freewill Baptist Church south of Goreville. He preceded her in death on August 2, 2000. Marilyn was later united in marriage to Kenneth D. Upchurch on November 4, 2006. He survives. Marilyn is also survived by: her children – Mike (Tracey) Cook of Harrisburg and Missy (Terry) Coonce of Tunnel Hill; grandchildren – Brody (Liz) Strickland of Marion, Lucas Strickland serving in the United States Air Force and stationed at Vandenberg AFB in California, Madison (Logan) Mathis of Rolla, Missouri, Mya Cook, Madi Cook, and Courtney (Zack) Carter all of Harrisburg, Kacey (Andy) Whorton of Marion, Kaley (Armando) Amezquita of Grapevine, Texas, and K.J. Coonce of Goreville; great grandchildren – Aurora and Allo; 2 brothers-in-law – Joe (Myrle) Upchurch and Jerry (Brenda) Upchurch all of Marion; and 2 sisters-in-law – Jane Bullock and Libby Bullock; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Jim, Marilyn was preceded in death by 2 brothers – Ronnie Bullock and Byron Bullock. Marilyn was a 1968 graduate of Vienna High School. She began her teaching career at Goreville School working as an aide in the first grade. She then was employed for 3 years at New Simpson Hill as a special education aide. Marilyn earned a teaching degree in special education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Beginning in 1983, Marilyn taught at Harrisburg Community Unit District # 3 until her retirement at the end of the 2009 school year. During this time, Marilyn taught in the special education department each year with the exception of one school year when she taught third grade. Marilyn and Kenny worshipped at Second Baptist Church in Marion. She loved working puzzles, traveling, and was an avid reader. Her pride and joy, however, were her grandchildren. A service honoring the life of Marilyn Cook Upchurch will be conducted Friday afternoon, April 16, 2021, at 1 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Ashby Tillery and Pastor Pete Vinson will officiate. Burial will be in the Busby Chapel Cemetery, south of Goreville. Visitation will be held from 11 AM – 1 PM Friday at Bailey Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5 Schiber Port, Suite C, Maryville, IL 62062. Those attending the visitation and funeral service are reminded to observe customarily accepted social distancing guidelines. The wearing of a face mask or covering is strongly encouraged. For the convenience of those unable to attend the service, it will be live-streamed on the Bailey Funeral Home Facebook page. The recorded service video will also be archived for later viewing.

Marilyn Kay Cook Upchurch

October 27, 1950 - April 12, 2021