BENTON – Mrs. Marilyn Sue Willard, age 89, was lifted up into God’s loving hands to her eternal home at 5:30 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025.
She graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1954, and married George Edward Willard on February 5, 1955, in which they were united as one for 54 years until his passing on September 21, 2009.
They had two sons, Edward Nelson Willard of Benton, IL, and Bradley Scott Willard of St. Louis, MO. She lived with Brad in their shared home for almost 8 years, until her passing.
Sue cherished life and had many talents. Some of which included oil painting, sewing, arts and crafts, playing piano and organ, taught baton twirling, and cooking. Salads were her specialty and most requested. She also loved dancing and was often referred to as the “Belle of the Ball” by many of her classmates.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Benton, IL, where she taught Sunday School, served on numerous committees, partnered with her husband to lead the Baptist Youth Fellowship (BYF), and later served as a trustee for the church she loved.
Her greatest passion was for the performing arts. Not only throughout southern Illinois, but especially for Franklin County and the city of Benton, her hometown. She was a co-founder of the Franklin County Arts Association (FCAA) and served on the board of directors and was president for a number of those years. She worked tirelessly for the Pyramid Players in every capacity. She also served on the board of directors for the Benton Civic Center in the early years of its founding and helped it become what it is today from its humble beginnings.
As she balanced all of the things she loved, she worked first as the receptionist for Dr. Richard Simpson and then for Dr. Harry Lee Lewis for 28 years before her early retirement to serve as the primary caregiver for her ailing husband for 10 years until his death in 2009.
In 2002 she received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her efforts for preserving and growing awareness of the importance of valuing the performing arts and the impact they can have on both a community and people of all ages to embrace and the joy it brings if we choose to allow it into our lives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, only grandchild, Zachary Aaron Willard; her parents, “Buster” and Marie Pearce; father-in-law Heinze and mother-in-law, Lillian Willard; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Betty Watkins; and numerous other family members.
She is survived by her sons, Eddie and Bradley; and her only nephew, Jimmy Watkins.
Sue chose cremation and her ashes will be placed next to her husband at a private graveside service on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
It was a very difficult decision to come to this arrangement with prayers that all those who loved Sue were not overlooked in any way. The many offerings of how they could help were a true testament of their love for Sue.
To join in the Celebration and remember her remarkable life, in her last years she had asked of her family for peace and calm for whatever time she had left. All who knew and loved her will be there with the five of us in our hearts and prayers just as Sue would want that as well.
For those who wish to remember her, the family has designated three choices to receive memorial donations in her honor for a life well served at the calling of her personal Savior.
- FCAA/PP c/o Marianne Kaak, 304 W. Reed St., Benton, IL 62812
- First Baptist Church, 201 S. Main St., Benton, IL 62812
- SSM Health at Home Hospice, 2029 Woodland Pkwy., Ste. 105, Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Your families and friendships have blessed our family many times and for many years. God’s Blessings Always.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.
To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Sue, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
