Marilyn Sue Hawkins, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, at the age of 86.
Marilyn was born on October 2, 1940, in McLeansboro, Illinois. She graduated from McLeansboro High School and went on to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
Marilyn proudly and honorably served her country in the United States Women’s Army Corps. Her military service was an important part of her life and reflected her strength, dedication, and commitment to serving others.
Throughout her life, Marilyn devoted herself to caring for and supporting others. She worked in early childhood education, served as a teacher and substitute teacher, and was a house parent at a children’s home. She also helped raise several foster children. Wherever she lived, Marilyn was an active and devoted member of her church family.
Marilyn was well known for her love of travel and was blessed to explore much of the United States, as well as Mexico, Canada, and Europe. Over the years, she called many places home, including Illinois, Arizona, California, Maryland, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama.
Wherever life took her, Marilyn was known for her kind heart, strong faith, generous spirit, adventurous nature, and unwavering devotion to her family. She treasured every moment spent with those she loved and created memories that will be cherished by family and friends for generations to come.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Guy Hawkins; her parents, Howard and Margaret (Dial) Taylor; her sons, Edward Troy Hawkins and Randall Guy Hawkins; and her grandsons, Bryan Taylor Hawkins and Justin Guy Hawkins.
She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Anne (Hawkins) Christopher and husband, David Christopher; her grandchildren, Ronald Kyle Hawkins (Jessica), Courtney Anne (Kleven)
Holton (Joshua), Shawna Rae Ann Hawkins, Cody James Hawkins (Courtney), Lance Wayne Christopher, and Tristan Edward Hawkins; and her great-grandchildren, Lillie Anne Holton, Travis Russell Holton, Mia Rose Hawkins, Bryan Paul Hawkins, Mackenzie Layne Hawkins, and Rowan James Hawkins.
She is also survived by her siblings, John Robin Taylor and Judy Beth (Taylor) Horton, along with many other cherished family members and friends.
Marilyn’s life was a blessing to many. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy will live on through the lives of those she loved and the countless people whose lives she touched.
Visitation will be held at Harre Funeral Home, 310 W. Randolph Street, McLeansboro, Illinois, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., on Friday, October 9, 2026 with funeral services immediately following. Interment and a brief graveside service will take place at Cartwright Cemetery in McLeansboro, where she will be laid to rest.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith. 2 Timothy 4:7”
The family is being served by Harre Funeral Home, 310 West Randolph Street, McLeansboro, Illinois 62859.
