Marilyn Taylor

Marilyn J. Taylor, 84, of Centralia passed away Sunday, March 19, 2023, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born on March 26, 1938, the daughter of Raymond and Violet (Myers) Meyer in Centralia. She married the love of her life, James E. Taylor on December 27, 1971, and he preceded her in death on December 10, 2020.

Survivors that will remember Marilyn’s strength and positive attitude include her niece Jackie Nelms and husband Bob of Junction City; nephews, Gary George and wife Jerri of Centralia, Randy George and wife Cindy of Centralia, and Billy George and wife Cathy of Shattuc; stepdaughter, Tammy Brillard and husband Jeff of Florida; stepbrother, Bill Gilmore and wife Charlene of Johnsonville; several step-grandchildren; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband of 48 years, James Taylor, Marilyn was preceded in death by her daughter Patricia Taylor; her parents; her sister, Joan George and husband Junior; her brother, Vernon Meyer; and nephew, Bobby George.

Marilyn felt blessed to call Centralia her home for almost the entirety of her life, excluding 5 years while living in Champaign. She was proud of and active in her community, serving as a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary of Centralia, and Modern Woodmen. Marilyn took her responsibility as care giver for her family and home seriously and always shared how it brought her great joy. She was hard working outside of her home as well, working as a loyal employee of Wheaton Plastics in Centralia. She was an avid animal lover. Marilyn took time to appreciate the simple things in life like time spent volunteering to help others, supporting a good friend, and especially loving her family with all her heart. Marilyn led by example, to all who knew her to look for the best in everyone and it is a character quality that will continue in her memory.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Marilyn’s great-niece, Jessie George officiating. Interment will follow outside the Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum in rural Sandoval. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the Hillcrest Chapel in rural Sandoval. Memorials may be made in Marilyn’s honor to Centralia Humane Society and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Marilyn may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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