Shirley Marilyn Dempsey, 88 of Chenoa, was called to her heavenly home at 11:34pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

A private graveside services will be held at Chenoa Twp. Cemetery with Rev. Fred Moore officiating.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is in charge of services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Marilyn was born January 31, 1932 in Racine, WI, the daughter of Russell S. and Vernice Harkrider Dunham.  She married Walter Dwayne Dempsey on May 28, 1950, the day after she graduated from Chenoa High School.  He preceded her in death on August 8, 1999.

Survivors include her children, Donald Dempsey of Gridley, Dawn Provines of Secor, Dick (Rita) Dempsey of Cape Coral, FL, Daniel (Rochelle) Dempsey of Lemoore, CA, Dirk (Amy) Dempsey of Chenoa and David Dempsey of Chenoa; sister, Ruth Martin of Pontiac; brother, S. Dell Dunham of Maple Park, IL; 24 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Lillian Yergler and Gayle Bayleat, one brother, John "Sonny" Dunham and one son-in-law Shawn Provines.

Marilyn was a lifelong resident of Chenoa.  She owned a little shop in uptown Chenoa called "Grama's" and sold coffee, donuts and gifts.  She worked part time as a janitor at Chenoa Grade School.  She was also a homemaker, artist and loved to write poetry.  She loved the Lord, her children and grandchildren.  Her favorite song was "Heaven Came Down" by John W. Peterson, and some of her favorite Bible verses are Proverbs 31:30 and Psalm 127:3.

"Very early when the day was new-
Before the light of dawn broke through-
My son had gone, he went away, the morning after Easter Day.

My heart was filled with sobs and tears,
I've loved him through these many years,
Please Lord, help me let him go,
My son, my son, I love you so.

I know you walk beside him Lord,
Protect him with your word and sword,
Surround and fill him with your love,
Dear Holy Spirit from above.

May your will for him be done-
Through twilight, dawn and noonday sun,
I place him now into your keep-
Please guard him while at work or sleep.

This prayer for him extends beyond-
For all these born to me- a bond.
Five strapping sons and a daughter fair-
I thank you for these loves to share.

Dear Lord your will for them I pray-
Please walk beside them all each day.
And keep them with your power and might-
I love each one, please hold them tight.

-M. Dempsey, April 5, 1988

Mom, we all love you and will miss you so much on this earth.  Enjoy your eternal rest in the arms of our loving Lord.  You and dad made a great heritage for us to carry on.