Marilyn J. Smith

Marilyn J. (Burkett) Smith,84, of Monmouth passed away Thursday, August 22, 2024 at her home. 

Marilyn was born March 26, 1940 to Charles E. and Dorothy I. (Belt) Burkett in Rock Island, IL. In her younger years her parents, three brothers and herself lived in the Cities and several small towns such as Andalusia, Milan and Green Rock. During her teenage years they moved to Alexis. She graduated from Alexis High School with the class of 1958 and that was the same year she began to date a long-time family friend, Larry D. Smith.  

Marilyn married Larry on June 7, 1959, and he passed away on August 27, 1995. 

Marilyn worked in retail throughout her entire career and was very much a people person. She was office manager for Gambles on the Square, worked at several grocery stores and in 1986 she went to work for Stock Land FS. She continued to work at FS where she held the titles of secretary, credit manager, and convenience store manager for 20 years before retiring in 2005. She also was nicknamed “Sunshine” because of her smile and positive attitude. When Stock Land FS closed, she became the manager at Triple E. Convenience, now Circle K, for 3 years.  

In her retirement years she enjoyed adult coloring books, word search puzzles, playing Bingo and going to the Casino. She also made surprise bags that always contained a Hot Wheels car for her four great grandsons.  

Survivors include her son, Timothy (Arlene) Smith of Monmouth and her daughter, Tracey (Byron) Briggs of Quincy, IL; grandchildren, Jennifer (Robert) Cook of Cameron, IL, Susan (Angel) Smith of Milwaukee, WI, Jared Smith of Peoria and Morgan Smith of Monmouth, Eric, Maykayla and Claire Briggs all of Quincy, IL; great grandsons, Bentlee Cook, Caleb Cook Carter Cook and Jack Cook all of Cameron; several nieces and nephews also survive along with a special friend Connie Davis. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; in-laws; brothers, Randy L. Burkett, Gary Burkett and Charles Burkett; nephew, Jason Burkett and long-time family friends Jerry and Lucy Garner of Monmouth.  

Cremation has been accorded. Per Marilyn’s wishes no visitation or services are planned at this time. A private interment will take place at Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth is in charge of the local arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.