A tragic fire at her North Logan home this weekend claimed the life of 90-year-old Marilyn Gill. Her obituary is in that section of The Logan Journal.
She not only loved and spoke on local history, but she also lived it. She was a history-maker herself.
The following description of Ms. Gill was written by family members and furnished to The LoJo by Price Funeral Home. It's a fitting tribute during Black History Month.
Our beloved Marilyn enjoyed life to its fullest as well as many hobbies and activities.
Shortly after finishing high school, Marilyn enrolled in the United States Army in 1943. This was during World War II. She served in a clerical role.
Marilyn entered the service right after the ban had been lifted allowing African-Americans to enlist. While serving in the Army, she displayed her athleticism by being one of very few African-American women to suit up and play for a military women’s basketball team. She suffered a leg injury while playing, which ended her playing career early on.
After earning an honorable discharge in September 1945, Marilyn returned home to Chicago and a few months later enrolled in Cosmetology School and earned her Illinois Cosmetology License.
Marilyn spent the majority of her adult life in Chicago, Ill. As a dedicated employee, Marilyn worked for the Fifth Quarter in Chicago, and later became an employee for many years with the world-renowned Reuter’s News Agency’s Chicago location.
As one who loved fishing, gardening, animals, and nature, Marilyn’s greatest love of all was the Lord and her church.
She was a dedicated member of Greater St. John A.M.E. Zion Church, Chicago, Ill., for many years. She served on the Usher Board.
Shortly after moving home to Bibbtown in 1983, Marilyn moved her church membership to Arnold’s Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. She was instrumental in organizing and starting the Adult and Junior Adult Usher Board at Arnold’s Chapel. She held many church programs on behalf of Arnold’s Chapel.
Upon the deaths of several long-time elderly members, the church was unable to financially retain its A.M.E. Zion affiliation, and in an effort to keep the 167-year old church doors open, Marilyn drafted a church charter, and reorganized the church as Arnold’s Chapel Community Church, which it is known as today. At her untimely death, Marilyn served as president of the Church Trustee Board.
During her time in the Bibbtown/Logan County community, Marilyn spoke about the history of Bibbtown and Major General Richard Bibb and his slaves to various organizations in the community, as several of her ancestors were former slaves of Bibb’s, and inherited land that remained in her family through generations.
Marilyn’s home-going is a celebration of her life as those who knew her LOVED her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bank St. AME Zion Church, 564 E. 5th St., Russellville.
From the family – “We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your many prayers, acts of kindness, flowers, and cards during this difficult time. Please know we love each of you.”