Marilyn Joyce Brown

Born on November 11, 1934 in Pekin to Milford and Dorothy (Hazlett) Strubhar, she married Paul Duane Brown on February 3, 1955 in Pekin. He died on April 1, 2006 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; two grandchildren, Kate Rebecca Coyer and Luke Christopher Coyer; one brother, Milford "Gene" Strubhar and two sisters, Delores Sisk and Carol Hoerr.

Surviving are one son, Paul Steven "Steve" (Renee) Brown of Brimfield; one daughter, Susan (Kevin) Coyer of Pekin; six grandchildren, Ben (Katy) Coyer, Chris Coyer, Eric (Merica) Brown, Stephen Brown, Philip (Lori) Brown and Alicia Brown; twelve great-grandchildren and one sister, Evelyn McRae of Pekin.

Marilyn worked as a salesclerk for Carp's, The Toggery, and then JC Penney's in downtown Pekin. She continued her career with JC Penney's at the Pekin Mall, where she retired in 1986.

In her personal life, Marilyn enjoyed gardening, fishing, and was formerly an avid bowler. She also was gifted in sewing. During her retirement, she and her husband took pleasure in traveling together.

She was a former member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. She also was a former member of the Pekin Boat Club and Pekin Women of the Moose Chapter 673.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will follow in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 601 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

Marilyn will fondly be remembered as a hardworking and strong woman, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and dedication.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com