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BORN
1938
DIED
2017
Marilyn Jessen Obituary
Virginia Beach - Marilyn King Jones Jessen (79): born 27 April 1938 in Glen Ridge NJ, daughter of Marion McWhinney & William Robert King. She passed on 29 June 2017.
Marilyn spent her childhood in Pittsburgh. Marilyn met her first love Gordon in church. She completed her BA from Hood College in 3 years in order to marry him in 1960.
Marilyn worked as Site Supervisor of the Senior Citizens Center in Waynesburg, PA, an alliterative post she held for 20 years. While in Waynesburg, she received the "Service Above Self" award from the Rotary as well as Community Citizen Award from the East Franklin Grange.
Marilyn moved to VA Beach in 1994. She served as an elder of Wycliffe Presbyterian where she met the second love of her life, George. They were wed in 2003.
She was preceded in death by two wonderful husbands, Gordon R. Jones MD and RADM George E. Jessen, her precious granddaughter, Lindsay-Grace Lazo, her only sister, Betty King Unger and Betty's husband Bill Unger.
Marilyn loved her family, enjoyed life and traveled extensively. She also was active on the Fellowship team at church. Volunteering for the Wells Theater, playing bridge and gardening kept her busy.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: son Jeffrey K. Jones of VB, daughter Karen J. Lazo (Phil) of MD, and son Bruce G. Jones of OH. Marilyn leaves behind 7 amazing grandchildren, Zackary & Brett Lazo; Tyler, Ryan, Abby, Tara, & Hunter Jones.
A memorial service will be held Sat. 7/15/17 at 11AM at Wycliffe Presbyterian Church (VA Beach). In lieu of flowers, donations to Wycliffe or Smile Train would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Jessen
Sponsored by the family.
Andrea Valerio
July 21, 2017
My dear friend, Marilyn, was effervescent and welcoming, creating social networks wherever she went. It was her talent for including people that brought all of us together for her Memorial Service on July 15, 2017 to celebrate her life, and I have no doubt that she continues her welcoming embrace of new friends in the Heavenly Realm.
I am grateful to have shared her camaraderie for 24 years of friendship. I will miss hearing her cheerful voice on the phone with her trademark, "HELLO, HELLO!" I will miss going with her to the next Art Show, and walking an enjoyable 5-mile loop in our neighborhood together. And I will certainly miss the dinner parties she seemed to host so effortlessly. But I am content knowing that she had a rich, full life with her family and friends, and she left This Life As We Know It ready to embrace her next Adventure. I wore her happy color, Turquoise, for her Memorial Service to honor her with a Happy Sendoff. We love you, Marilyn-- You "GO GIRL!"
Bill Ayres
July 16, 2017
Marilyn tried to be a good friend to everyone she knew.
July 15, 2017
Marilyn was a very happy, vibrant person who lived life to the full. She always had a smile on her face and time for everyone. She was the type of person who we should all aspire to become. Anyone who knew her is probably as grateful as I am that we met her.
To all her family and friends please be joyful in the knowledge that Marilyn was a wonderful woman who improved many lives.
With love and peace,
Alison
Formally of Virginia Beach
Suellen Truesdell
July 11, 2017
Marilyn was very loving and giving. We shared so many wonderful memories with so many friends that I will never forget! We went on all of the outings that the Virginia Beach Rec Center had to offer which is where I met Marilyn in aerobics class. She was the first person that came up to me in class on my first day and said, "I love your shirt." From there on, we shared many special occasions together! She will truly be missed!
Bob and Judy Glass
July 10, 2017
Marilyn was loved for her kindness and compassion; a dear friend we will always remember! We are so thankful our paths met and continued for 23 years!
Reinette Jackovic
July 5, 2017
Jeff, Karen, and Bruce...so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. She was a kind loyal friend. Tom and I will miss her thoughtful updates about your family and inquiries about ours. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
Tom and Reinette Jackovic
KELLY DULANEY
July 2, 2017
KAREN ,Jeff, and Bruce , I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a wonderful person, so sweet and kind . I thought the world of her ,I enjoyed when she was in Waynesburg asking about her kids and her telling me about all your adventures. Hugs and prayers to you all !
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