Oma Darlene Marvel

Born December 14, 1938 in Peoria to Franklin Gerald and Helen (Pate) Abernathy, she married Raymond Marvel on June 16, 1956 in Peoria.

Surviving her are two daughters, RaeAnn Laylock of Peoria and Debbie Marvel (George Sylvester) of Polk City, Florida; three grandchildren, Cassie (Trace) McIntosh of Peoria, Nichole (Ryne) Komnick of Lincoln and Jenna Zimmer of Wesley, Florida; six great-grandchildren, Zoe (Aaron) Ortega, Aidan, Ryne, and Abraham McIntosh and Cruze and Raelee Komnick; one great-great-grandson, Cayden; three sisters, Rita (Frank) Dunlap, Geraldine Thornhill and Sharon (Joe) Heubi; two brothers, Ron (Mary) Abernathy and Rick (Lynne) Abernathy, many loved nieces and nephews, and a very special family member, Debby Simkins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jerry and Helen Abernathy, her husband Ray Marvel, her sister Norma Wyss, her brother Robert Abernathy, and her son-in-law Walter Laylock.

Darlene was a devoted longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church, Peoria, and of the Lutheran Women's Ministry League.

She worked at and retired from Morton Community Bank. She was a very talented seamstress who devoted much time preparing dresses for weddings and holidays, as well as costumes for family and friends. She lovingly encouraged the opening of Debby's School of Dance, in Creve Coeur in 1970, and worked behind the scenes to help "the show go on" for decades after.

She deeply loved her husband, family, and Jesus. She made the most of her last several years on earth, watching ball games and plays, attending ceremonies and recitals, and supporting her grandkids. However, she was very ready to be with her Lord and Savior and to reunite with her beloved husband. We can only imagine how glorious her reunion was.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Darlene's caregivers at Carle Health Hospice, especially Mari, Tina, and the GIP staff at Methodist Hospital.

Her funeral will be Saturday May 9th at 11:00 AM at Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria. Pastor Karl Eckhoff will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to the beginning of the service on the same day. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to LWML via Christ Lutheran Church, 2020 W. Malone St., Peoria, IL 61605.

Online condolences may be left at Davison-Fulton.com