Marilyn Proffer

DARDENNE PRAIRIE, Mo. -- Marilyn Wilson Proffer of Dardenne Prairie passed away peacefully April 3, 2020, at Barathaven Alzheimer's Special Care Center. In her final days, she was surrounded by her three loving children, Robert Kirk, James Kent and Marian Louise.

Born Marilyn Frances Wilson on July 2, 1932, in Jackson to Robert "Bob" Herman Wilson and Marian Frances Fenimore, she was raised with her siblings, Emily Anita Dickerson, Robert Kent Wilson II and James Fenimore Wilson.

At the age of 22, Marilyn lost three members of her family in a tragic automobile accident: mother, Marian Frances Fenimore Wilson; aunt, Irene Louise Wilson; and grandfather, Robert Kent Wilson. Her father, Robert Herman Wilson, owner of The Palace Theater in Jackson, passed away eight years earlier from a brain tumor. Following the family accident, Marilyn, then married to Marvin E. Proffer, continued to raise her siblings at their home in Jackson.

Marilyn graduated from Jackson High School (1950) and Southeast Missouri State University (1955) with a bachelor's degree in education. She previously attended Ward Belmont University, where she majored in classical piano and performance.

Marilyn is probably remembered most for her love of teaching. She taught ninth-grade language arts at R.O Hawkins Jr. High School from 1965 to 1981, where she also served as department chairwoman. Students still speak today of the enthusiasm with which she taught Shakespeare's classic "Romeo and Juliet." She was also responsible for starting the creative "Individualized Teaching" program, where students were allowed to self-pace their learning of grammar.

In 1970, Marilyn started the first Chapter of Job's Daughters (Bethel No. 60) in Jackson, where she served as Bethel Guardian until 1972. Along with Joe Masterson, the two created one of the largest chapters in the State of Missouri. Committed to helping women succeed, Marilyn was also a member of the P.E.O. philanthropic women's organization in Jackson.

Marilyn moved to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1988, where she served as assistant to two chancellors (Dr. George Russell and Dr. Eleanor Schwartz) of the University of Missouri System (1988 to 1995). While there, she also played a pivotal role in the Office of Special Events for the university. She was celebrated for her event planning and creative talents at convocation ceremonies and other large occasions. Marilyn especially enjoyed hosting notable figures on campus, such as South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Updike.

In 1996, upon retirement from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Marilyn moved to St. Louis, where she enjoyed The Muny, Art Club and spending time with family and friends.

Marilyn had an avid love for reading, sunshine and travel.

Above all, she loved her family. Nothing was more important to her than her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life. She was the mother of Kirk (Cathy) Proffer, Marian (Steve) Houser and Kent (Peggy) Proffer; grandmother to Staci Houser, Drew (Carri) Houser, Cory (Lindsay) Proffer, Craig Proffer, Baleigh and Mallory Proffer; and great-grandmother to Soie and Nash Houser, and Emerson and Lennon Proffer.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial will be scheduled in Jackson at a later date.

Internment in the Wilson family plot alongside her parents, will occur at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, also at a later date.

Friends may sign the family's online guestbook at www.Schrader.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kindred Hospice www.kindredhealthcare.com/our-services/hospice.