Marilyn M. Courson

Marilyn Mae Lyons Courson was born at home on July 19, 1934 to Russell and Mabel (Porter) Lyons.  She passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025 at the Newman Rehab and Health Care Center.

Marilyn married Billy Lee Courson on August 21, 1955.  They began life in Allerton in their first house built by Billy.  They raised three daughters: Cindy (Dan) Brown, Becky (Jay) Carter, and Amy Courson.  They have two grandchildren: Christopher Brown and Breanna Carter; as well as two great-grandchildren Jackson and Arabella.  Marilyn also had many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Billy, parents Russell and Mabel, and brother Lynn and his wife Rita.

Marilyn was a member of the Allerton Church of Christ.  She spent many years playing the piano and organ; as well as teaching Vacation Bible School.

She was an active member of the Allerton Saddle Club, a member of the Allerton Woman’s Club, and was on the Steering Committee for the Allerton Centennial.

She loved playing bridge with the Merry Matrons, and bowling on leagues in Broadlands and Homer.  She started painting with oil and acrylics in 1972.  She gifted many special pieces to family and friends.  She spent over a decade taking her painted pieces to the Covered Bridge Festival in Bridgeton, IN.

Marilyn’s greatest passion was for NASCAR.  She attended many races sporting her Earnhart colors.  Her pride and joy was her vast Earnhart collection known as “The Shrine.”  She collected memorabilia for both Dale Sr and Dale Jr.  Marilyn even has her own brick in front of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in North Carolina.

In her later years, Marilyn decided to become a resident of Florida.  From Florida she cruised the world eventually visiting nearly 30 countries.  Her favorite location was Ephesus, Turkey where the Apostle Paul preached.

She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to White Fields Overseas Evangelism (P.O. Box 189 Joplin, MO 64802) or Moore's Rescue Ranch (3113 N. Market St. Champaign, IL 61822).

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