Marilyn (Elkins) Jones

Marilyn Jones, age 77 of Dongola, died at 1:45 pm Sunday, December 18, 2022 at her daughter's home in Carbondale.  She was born June 23, 1945 in Jonesboro, Illinois, the daughter of Guy and Ina (Foster) Elkins.  She married the love of her life, Cliff Jones in 1981 in Jonesboro.

Marilyn is survived by her three sons, Mitch Bryant of Freeport, FL, Mike (Lee Anne) Bryant of Leland, NC, Tony Bryant of Jonesboro, IL; two daughters Melissa (Jason) Winchester of Carbondale, IL, Sylvia (Eric) Needham of Dongola, IL; three step-children she was blessed to share in their lives, Janet Jones, Julie Leonard and David Jones all of the Joliet area; and one adopted-in-love, son, Steve (Teresa) Watson of Holden Beach, NC; sixteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers, Freddie Elkins of New York and Darrell (Linda) Elkins of Elgin, IL; sister-in-law Jan Elkins of Elgin, IL, many loving nieces and nephews she loved as her own and many dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, twin sister, Carolyn Ferguson, two brothers, Frank & Larry Elkins and one grandson.

Marilyn was a member of the Wolf Lake Assembly of God, but in later years due to health, attended services via video at Dongola United Pentecostal Church.  She worked various jobs over her lifetime, including Florsheim in Anna, IL.  Marilyn was a strong Christian woman, who shared her faith with any, helping to start a couple of churches that began with Bible studies in her home or neighbor's homes.  She had a very close-knit family and loved every one of them.  She never greeted or said goodbye to you without a loving embrace.

Funeral services for Marilyn Jones will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with family friend in Christ, Wes Johnson officiating. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dongola United Pentecostal Church to help further their ministry for the homebound.  Envelopes are available at the funeral home.