Frances G. Gilmer Marshall

Whitehall, Michigan

Mrs. Frances (Gilmer) Marshall, age 89 passed away on Saturday, January 22 in Muskegon, Michigan. She was born November 5, 1921 in Noble, Georgia to Burl and Jessie (Iley) Gilmer. She resided in Whitehall most of her adult life. She was one of the few female lighthouse keepers, serving at the White River Light Station, and in 1953 she appeared on the TV show "What’s My Line" where the panel of celebrities was unable to guess her occupation. She then began work at DuPont Montague Works and stayed for over 35 years. Frances loved people and loved to have fun. Her famous laugh could be heard wherever she went. She is survived by her only child, Holly (Robert) Nolan of Muskegon, as well as the four best grandsons in the world, Brian Nolan, Daniel (Ashley) Nolan, Scott Nolan and Sean (Kendall) Nolan. Frances is also survived by her sisters, Joanne (John) Mills of Lakeport, MI and Doris (Donald) Leach of Bigfork, MT; a niece and several nephews, her longtime caregiver, Beverly Miller, many dear friends including Joe Dolle, and her church family at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Whitehall. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John ‘Marv’ Marshall, her sisters, Beth St. Clair and Susie Bailey and her brother James Gilmer. According to her wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at the Evangelical Covenant Church at 900 S. Warner in Whitehall on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Mercy VNS & Hospice, 888 Terrace St., Muskegon or the building fund for the Evangelical Covenant Church.