Marilyn L. Everly

Marilyn L. Everly (July 21, 1941 – October 18, 2024) Marilyn L. Everly, age 83, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on October 18, 2024. Born in Mound City, Illinois, she was the daughter of Vivian Gordon (Winters) and Luke Gordon. Marilyn grew up in Mound City and attended local schools before marrying the love of her life, Dale Everly, on November 26, 1958, at the Sterling Church of the Nazarene in Illinois, with Reverend Hatton officiating. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage. Marilyn was a devoted Licensed Practical Nurse for over 20 years, serving the Sterling and Rock Falls, Illinois communities with compassion and care. However, her true calling was music. Marilyn pursued formal music education at Sauk Valley Community College and became a prolific writer/composer of church band music, writing and composing nearly 100 songs that continue to inspire congregations. Marilyn had a God-given gift for leading worship services. She always knew the perfect song for the moment, creating a profound sense of connection to God through music. For 48 years, Marilyn was a faithful member of Full Gospel Assembly Church in Sterling, Illinois, where she dedicated herself to mentoring generations of musicians, teaching them to play instruments and lead church bands. Marilyn’s passion for spreading the gift of music extended beyond her local church, as she organized regional music seminars and traveled across the country to teach new leaders and create church bands, all in service of her deep Christian faith. In 2017, Marilyn and Dale relocated to Lakeland, Florida, where they attended the Gospel Assembly of Central Florida. Marilyn’s legacy of love for God and music lives on in the hearts of the countless people she touched through her teaching and her songs. Marilyn is survived by her husband Dale; two daughters, Vickie (Boyd) Harrell of Lakeland, Florida and Cindy (Doug) Fargher of Shepherdsville, Kentucky; granddaughters, Emily (Alan) Nielsen of Lacon, Illinois, Abby Fargher of Godfrey, Illinois; great-grand daughter Charlotte Nielsen; two half-sisters, Darlene Heinz of Piperton, Tennessee, and Debra McPherson of Oak Harbor, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents and her half-brother. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Gospel Assembly of Central Florida, with Pastor Robert Walker officiating. Memorial contributions and condolences may be sent to 7153 Winkworth Parkway, Lakeland, FL 33810. Marilyn’s life was a testament to her faith, her family, and her enduring love for music. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Marilyn L. Everly

July 21, 1941 - October 18, 2024