Marilyn Timmons was born December 20, 1943 in Kansas City, MO. She was the youngest of 11 children born to James and Dora Mae Medley. On June 5, 2026, she peacefully transitioned to Heaven from the comfort of family.

Marilyn grew up in Northeast Kansas City, and graduated from Central High School in 1962. Throughout her life she would often share many fond memories of her childhood.

On February 14, 1964, she married the first love of her life, Jerry Henry. Marilyn and Jerry had two daughters, Rhonda and Carla. In 1969, Jerry and Marilyn moved to Jerry’s hometown of Clinton, MO. There they built a wonderful life together as they raised Rhonda and Carla. They were very active members of Northeast Baptist Church, from which Marilyn continued to maintain friendships.

In 1972, Marilyn began driving a school bus for the Davis R-12 School District. She drove many years for the Clinton, Raytown, Fort Osage, and Blue Springs School Districts, respectively. This totaled a 38 year bus driving career. During her driving years, one of her greatest pleasures was driving her own grandchildren to school. She also absolutely loved the relationships she built with each student and their families. Marilyn always had the desire to find something good in each child—advice given to her from her husband Jerry—which she took to heart.

After the untimely death of Jerry in 1981, Marilyn moved to the Independence, MO area. On May 3, 1985, Marilyn married the second love of her life, Russell Timmons. They spent 23 years together loving life and having fun. They were active members of Maywood Baptist Church, where Marilyn taught Sunday School, cooked for youth mission trips, and participated in various other ministries. Together they achieved Russell’s dream of having a house in the country and raising sheep. Every year when it was time to shear the sheep, Marilyn would throw a big party that included many people, food, and games.

One of the biggest joys of her life while living on the farm was spending time with her grandchildren. “Grandma Parties” and “Grand Camps” were held every summer which included the grandchildren and their friends. These events always had a church service which was organized and presented by the grandchildren and friends. Marilyn loved swimming, supervising BB gun shooting, fishing in their pond, and playing polka music while the kids jumped on the couch or a mattress. The memories made here are ones her grandchildren will carry throughout their lives.

In 2008 after becoming a widow for the second time, Marilyn started a Friday night card playing group with her fellow “single ladies.” They developed great friendships with each other. In fact, one of her card playing ladies died just a week before Marilyn, and we have no doubt they are playing their favorite card games together in Heaven.

In September 2019, her daughter Rhonda convinced Marilyn it was time to have a big adventure and move closer to her Georgia family. At the age of 75 she moved to Powder Springs, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. While there, she was active in the First Baptist Church of Powder Springs. Among other things, she participated in the School Backpack and Samaritans Purse Shoebox ministries. She loved her Sunday School class, and treasured their friendships.

In December 2024, Marilyn returned to Independence, MO and lived at The Baptist Home. She attended the First Baptist Church of Buckner, where she again, loved her Sunday School class and treasured their friendships. While at the Baptist Home she led a Monday morning Bible Study, played Bingo, made new friends, and eventually transitioned to attending the Tri-City Baptist church service.

Marilyn made friends wherever she went and always had a joke for anyone that would listen. She loved to cook for anyone. Her meals, holiday desserts, and snack cabinet were enjoyed by

all. Her laughter was contagious and her smile was bright every time she spent time with those she loved. Marilyn’s devotion and love for the Lord was the foundation of her life. She trusted the Lord through the death of two husbands, cancer, transitions across the country and into assisted living, and many other life challenges. Her life verse was, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Jerry and Russell, and 8 siblings-Lewis Lee Medley, Eva Allen, Ruth Collins, Rosie Taylor, James Medley, Leonard Medley, Roy Medley and her twin sister Carolyn Sowell.

She is survived by her two sisters, Virginia Munsterman and Mae Lewis, as well as her daughters Rhonda Dye (John), Carla Rose (Bryan), her special AFS daughter Nora Jewel and Step-son Wayne Timmons. Marilyn also leaves her beloved grandchildren: Heather Richardson (Frank), Brad Dye (Brooke), Michael Rose (Makenna), Katie Dougherty (Sean), and Clayton Timmons. Marilyn was blessed with 7 great grandchildren who were the light of her life: Sophie and Walker Dougherty, Spencer and Cora Richardson, Baylee, Noah and Landon Dye. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

At Marilyn’s request, there will not be a memorial service. Marilyn wished to be remembered by everyone who knew her through the experiences she enjoyed with each of them, so please feel free to share your memories. Marilyn loved planning and carrying out Medley family reunions. The Medley family will enjoy one last reunion meal that Marilyn will provide at her favorite restaurant. A private graveside service will be held in Clinton, Mo.