Marilynn Slappy

Marilynn Hamlin Slappy, 91, of the Town of Sevastopol, WI, fell asleep in the loving arms of her family at home, Monday morning, December 9, 2024.
She was born August 16, 1933 in Taylor, AR, the daughter of Travis Eugene Hamlin, Sr. and Mattilee (Robinson) Hamlin. Marilynn attended Taylor High School. It was during her junior year in typing class that she met James Thomas Slappy. As Marilynn fondly recalled, they "sat on opposite sides of the walkway in class," and their "appreciation for each other grew over the next couple years." Marilynn and James were paired up to walk down the aisle for graduation with the Taylor High School class of 1951.
Marilynn and James were united in marriage on April 16, 1952, after James completed Naval boot camp. They were married at her grandparents' (Louis and Elizabeth Hamlin's) home in Taylor. With James in the Navy, they eventually moved to communities throughout the United States including San Francisco, CA, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Florida, and Washington state. The family's last duty station was Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. That is where Marilynn enrolled in secretarial courses at the College of Lake County in Illinois, earning her associates degree in 1981, while working and raising her family.
In addition to caring for her family at home, she had been employed at various places over the years, but her primary employment was with Great Lakes Credit Union, beginning in 1981. Marilynn started part-time with member services, worked her way up, eventually working in loans, and then as Training Coordinator, Personnel Manager, Human Resources Manager, Vice President of Human Resources, and ultimately as Executive Vice President of Administration until her retirement in 1999. She belonged to the Credit Union Executives Society as well as the Navy League, HR Council, and FRA Auxiliary.
Marilynn attended Hillcrest Baptist Church in North Chicago, IL. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Libertyville, IL. Marilynn was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She volunteered with the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, American Business Women's Association, and was active in Girl Scouts when her daughters were younger and also served as a team mom for her daughters' softball teams when they were younger and playing in the Great Lakes Softball League.
While she and James were stationed in Great Lakes, IL, they visited friends in Sturgeon Bay, WI, and immediately appreciated the community as one of the nicest and most beautiful places they had ever visited. They eventually made the move from North Chicago, IL to Sturgeon Bay. They both enjoyed travel and visiting with friends, family and various hobbies. Marilynn was very strong in her faith and in recent times she joined the Faith Baptist Church in Cabot, AR where her nephew, Richard Hamlin, serves as pastor. She enjoyed the weekly services that were streamed, allowing her to take part from a distance.
Marilynn and James were blessed with nearly 71 years of marriage. He died February 24, 2023.
Marilynn's love will live on in the hearts of her three daughters, Donna Gayle King of Sturgeon Bay, Gerri Lee Slappy of Park City, IL, and Gina Lisa Slappy of the Town of Nasewaupee; other relatives; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Travis Eugene Hamlin, Sr. and Mattilee Hamlin (J. C.) Bryan; husband, James Slappy; brother, Travis Eugene Hamlin, Jr.; son-in-law, Owen King; sister-in-law, Norma Franco; and other relatives.
Marilynn's life will be honored with a memorial service held at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 at a later date - to be announced.
Memorial donations may be given in Marilynn's name to BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center (BraveHearts, 7319 Maxon Road, Harvard, IL 60033; braveheartsriding.org). BraveHearts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit out of Illinois that assists various populations in need through various equine-assisted services, with 53 therapy horses and 2 year-round accredited farms. The largest population served at BraveHearts is US military veterans and their families at no cost to all veterans.
"Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Richard Hogan and his staff at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay, WI as well as the staff of Unity Hospice for the wonderful and compassionate care given to our mother."
Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Marilynn may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.
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