Marjorie Ann Yock Willingham

Marjorie Willingham passed away peacefully on the morning of March 24, 2026, held in the quiet care of the Memphis Jewish Home.

She was "Marge in Charge" to her husband, John Willingham. A name that carried both wit and devotion, a reflection of the life they built together over 57 years. Marjorie was born on February 21, 1936, in Clara City, Minnesota to Gordon August Yock and Hedwig Elizabeth Yock. From the beginning, she moved through the world with a clarity all her own-skipping grades, meeting each moment with ease.

At Stephens College, she met John, and together they became whole. She was the center of it all. A home shaped around her warmth with a table that always had room. Meals made from what was there: cans from the panty or something saved in the fridge turned into something more, something shared. People came in as strangers and left as something closer. In her hands the everyday was never simply that, it was something tended to, expanded, and shared.

Her life unfolded in gestures, both simple and enduring; long conversations over a cup of coffee, a tall Old Foresters and Coke, the rhythm of a Bridge game, the steady return to Tunica, the ease of travel, of movement, of curiosity. She understood something essential-that life is not only lived, but received, and then offered back to others.

Her greatest joy was always herfamily, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally. Her warmth was constant- certain, and enduring and will be greatly missed.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her Parents, Gordon and Hedwig Yock, her husband John Willingham, and her sister Karen Bigalk (Vernon). She is survived by her brother Laird Yock (Betty), daughters Kristi Goldsmith (Larry-deceased), Kara Chandler (Robert), Karla Templeton (Clay); her grandchildren John and Justin Goldsmith, Tessa Wilbanks (Butch) and Terra Wilbanks, Loyd and Marjorie Ann Templeton and 2 great grandchildren Jessa and Briar Wilbanks

Funeral service will be held May 2 at 1:00 pm at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral.