Marlene Bettylou Jolly

Marlene Bettylou (Shepherd) Jolly was born on June 17,1950 in Highland, Illinois to Betty Autrey and Robert Shepherd. Marlene loved her parents, and she also loved Franklin Hayes, who later married Betty, and Launa Shepherd, who later married Robert. On March 7th, 1974, Marlene married Larry Jolly of Worden, Illinois. She would spend the next 35 years in Worden raising kids and serving her husband.

Marlene wore many hats over the years and accomplished many things. She was a talented singer and songwriter, head cook in the Edwardsville Public School District, a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and a regional manager for Goodwill Industries. Her most cherished title was, however, “Child of God”. Marlene loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and she desired to serve Him and know Him more each day. She dedicated her time to faithfully praying for others, and her children and grandchildren know that her legacy is that of intercessory prayer- a woman humbly making requests at the feet of Jesus on behalf of others. Her greatest desire was for all of her kids and grandkids to come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

In the last years of her life, Marlene was a devoted sister to Sandy Bone (Jim) and Gary Hayes. She also cared deeply for her brothers and sisters in Christ at New Beginnings Church of Praise in Fredericktown. Marlene is preceded in death by her husband, Larry- her parents, Robert Shepherd, Franklin Hayes, and Betty Hayes- her siblings, Robert Lee Shepherd, Susan Faye Hayes, and Marsheila Louise Hayes. Marlene is survived by her children –Ricky Hammond, Marlena Mellenthin, Karen Brokaw, (Jerry), Maranda Causey (Patrick Flannigan), and Renata Thomas (Frank). She has 21 grandkids and many great grandkids. Marlene is also survived by siblings- Sandy (Jim) Bone, Gary Hayes, Dean (Mona) Shepherd, and Tammy Rush. She was blessed with many beloved nieces and nephews. Surviving also are Donald (Peggy), Anderson and Ronald (Barb) Anderson, cherished brothers of the late Larry Jolly.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Homes-Wilson Chapel in Fredericktown. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 26th from 12:00 PM until the funeral service at 2:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Jonathan Young, Brother Jim Bone, and Sister Betty Heady. Interment will be at Old Trace Creek Cemetery on Highway DD.