Marilyn Jo Smith

December 25, 1942 - December 8, 2020

Overland Park, Kansas - Marilyn Jo (Barrow) Smith, 77, of Overland Park, KS, passed away on December 8th, 2020 in her home. A private graveside service will be held at The Little Union Baptist Church Cemetery, in Bloomington, IN on December 16th, 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Veterans Community Project (https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org/).

Ms. Smith was born on Christmas Day, December 25th, 1942 in Buffalo, New York. Marilyn played varsity basketball in high school, and started college at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA. She then transferred to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville for her final two years. She was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and graduated in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in Education. She was one of the first women graduates of UVA and was on the Dean's list.

Marilyn began her professional career as a teacher, teaching the 3rd grade in Virginia. Marilyn then began working for the Veterans Health Administration as a temporary secretary. She eventually took on a full-time position and was promoted several times. The VA transferred her to Pittsburgh, PA, where she met her future husband. She retired as an Executive Administrator for the Kansas City VA Medical Center.

Marilyn was passionate about her faith and her family. She taught Sunday School at the Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church, and was a member of the Outreach Committee at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church.

Marilyn was an avid genealogist, and an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She served as past President, Historian, and Editor of the "Branches" publication for the Barrow Family Association.

Marilyn was married to Charles Walter Smith on April 19th, 1975, in Wexford, PA. She is survived by her daughter; Erin Niccole (Smith) Kozlowski, son-in-law; Thomas Robert Kozlowski, son; Ryan Todd Smith, daughter-in-law; Laura Michelle Smith, brother; Daniel Edward Barrow Jr., sister; Carol Chris (Barrow) Beesley, and her beloved Grandchildren; Katherine Grace Kozlowski, Emily Rose Kozlowski, Georgia Marilyn Smith, and William Ryan Smith.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father; Daniel Edward Barrow, her mother; Ruth Estelle (Chafin) Barrow, and her brother-in-law; Charles Vandever Beesley.

Marilyn was a positive, caring soul, and a lifelong Christian. She will be dearly missed.