Marilyn Kay "Turner" Rhom

Spindale, NC

Marilyn Kay Rhom affectionately known as Meme to everyone she met, was born April 6, 1936 in Rockford, Illinois, she went home to be with her Heavenly Father and husband on 03/03/2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Meme grew up in Rockford Illinois and at the age of 14 she played baseball with the Rockford Peaches as starting catcher for home games from 1948-1950, however because she was underage, she couldn't travel with the team. Following high school, she moved to Washington DC where she met her future husband Lafoy and after a short whirlwind romance they married in 1955. She loved spending every moment she could with Foy from fishing and hunting to restoring old cars. Whatever Foy was doing she was right by his side. Following several attempts, she gave birth to their one and only son in 1967. As a family they would go camping, fishing and hunting. Their lives together revolved around their son.

After the passing of her beloved husband in 1989 Meme fully devoted herself to her son and grandson. She was at every youth league football game and practices and became Meme to hundreds of children during those years. Meme loved working in her yard and helping her son in his. She loved the weekly Saturday trash pick-up ministry with her son in dad's buggy for some of the elderly members in her church up until the last 6 months of her life. She enjoyed working in the soup kitchen at her church and helping those less fortunate than herself. She was a true servant of God, always giving of herself and caring for those she loved most. She was never selfish with her time, never thinking of herself. She was a woman full of grace but never without a touch of spunk.

Meme is preceded in death by her loving husband Lafoy Rhom of McDowell County, her parents Fred & Elizabeth Turner of Rockford Illinois, brothers Harry Turner of Rockford, Illinois & Fred Turner of Rutherford County, her niece Denise Wagner & nephew Terry Wagner both of Palm Springs, Florida.

Those left to cherish her memory are her baby boy Rick Rhom & wife Pam of Rutherfordton, NC, her sister Patricia Wagner & husband Denny of Palm Springs Florida, grandson Drew Rhom of Rutherfordton, NC, step-granddaughters Cara Duncan & Chye Raye both of Forest City, NC, her adopted son Michael Greene of Rutherfordton, NC, One great-granddaughter, 4 step-great granddaughters & 1 step-great grandson, all of Rutherford County, numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved church family at First Baptist Church.

The family of Meme would like to say a special thank you to: David & Robin Robertson for helping look after her and taking care of her yard when she couldn't these last few years. And a special thank you to her church family for being the anchor she had in this community.

As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. Psalm 103:15

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You. Psalm 84:5

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Crowe's Mortuary on Saturday March 7th, 2026 at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Hospice of the Carolina Foothills via website: https://carnationfoundation.org/donate/ or mail to the Carnation Foundation PO Box 37 Lexington, SC 29072. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.