Marilyn Gover

MATTOON - Marilyn M. Gover, 68, passed away at 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Mrs. Gover was born February 14, 1940 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of David E. Schof Sr. and Mathilda (Waguespack) Schof. She graduated from Dominican High School in New Orleans and was in the first graduating class of Louisiana State University in New Orleans, now known as the University of New Orleans. She received a bachelor's degree in Accounting. Mrs. Gover received her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville which is where she met her future husband, Timothy D. Gover. Marilyn Schof and Timothy D. Gover were married August 31, 1963 in St. Agnes Church in New Orleans. She taught Accounting at Eastern Illinois University in 1963-1964. She then became a full time mother following the birth of her son, Ed. When Lake Land College opened in 1967 she became one of the first faculty members and was the first full-time Accounting Instructor. At Lake Land, Marilyn developed the Accounting program and was coordinator of the Accounting program until her retirement in 1995. While at Lake Land, Mrs. Gover served as president of the Lake Land Faculty Association. She also was advisor to the Accounting Club for 20 years, an organization she formed. In 2008 she was selected as one of the first former faculty members at Lake Land to be placed on the Wall of Honor to recognize the contributions of former faculty. Mrs. Gover created and funded an emergency fund for Lake Land accounting majors who need funds on a short-term basis. The Marilyn Gover Endowed Fund has assisted numerous students to continue their education. Mrs. Gover was one of the organizers of the Golden Hearts of Immaculate Conception Church. Golden Hearts consists of a group of seniors who socialize on a regular basis. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and Beta Alpha Psi Honorary Accounting fraternity for high achieving accounting majors. She was a member of several professional organizations and was an honorary member of the Mattoon Rotary Club. Mrs. Gover is survived by her husband, Tim Gover; one son, Ed Gover and wife Bonnie and two granddaughters, Lainey and Katie, all of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by one brother, Dr. David Schof Jr. of New Orleans, Louisiana and several nieces and nephews. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and three infant children. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 16, at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church with Father Dennis Kollross celebrating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the Schilling Funeral Home with a Parish Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Memorial gifts in her honor are suggested to the Lake Land College Marilyn Gover Endowed Scholarship or the LifeSpan Center. Marilyn was an organ donor.