Marjorie was born Sept. 8, 1940, in Hanford, Calif., the daughter of Lauren C. and Verna E. Beckman Hackett. She married Bradley C. Stearns on June 9, 1962, in Hanford.
Marjorie graduated from Hanford High School in 1958, earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University at Fresno in 1962 and her master’s degree from Sangamon State University in 1978. She began teaching elementary and junior high school in Wyoming for four years, one-and-one-half years in Galesburg, Ill.; and the rest of her time was spent at District 186 in Springfield; first as a teacher and then as principal until her retirement in 1999. Marjorie enjoyed gardening, reading, knitting, and most important of all, spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Carol Hackett.
Marjorie is survived by her husband, Bradley C. Stearns of Springfield; her children, Jennifer Lokaitis, John (Dawn Renee) Stearns, and Jeff Stearns, all of Springfield; grandchildren, Erin (Ken) Pacha, Kathleen (fiancé, Criss Morthland) Lokaitis, and Ian, Quinn, Canon, and Adam Stearns; and great-granddaughter, Teagan Oltmann.
Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.
Memorial Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield with Rev. Chuck Goodman officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Presbyterian Church in Springfield.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.
Please visit butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.
