Marilyn Kerr

“Red”

Age 81 of Wilmington, Illinois passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday evening, November 21, 2024 with family at her side.

Born on November 6, 1943, in Portland, Oregon, Marilyn Marie was a daughter of Cleo Clinton and Esther June (Daniell) Cummins. She spent her early years in Lerna, Illinois, before her family relocated to Wilmington, where she graduated from Wilmington High School. On May 25, 1963, Marilyn married John E. Kerr, in the Baptist Church in Wilmington. Together, they built a life of love, raising their family and contributing deeply to their community.

Marilyn was the first female real estate agent in Wilmington, and had a long and fulfilling career where she dedicated 35 years to helping families find homes. In addition, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Kerr Management Consultants, Inc., a business she nurtured over three decades in Wilmington, which continues as a proud family-run endeavor.

Marilyn was deeply committed to serving her community. She actively participated in Girl Scouts for many years, guiding and mentoring young women. Her faith was also central to her life, and she was a devoted member of the First Christian Church in Wilmington.

Beyond her professional and community endeavors, Marilyn was an extremely patriotic soul that found joy in creativity and nature. She was an accomplished quilter and seamstress, cherished her time spent reading, and loved tending to her garden. Above all, Marilyn's greatest joy was her family. Her unwavering love, support, and dedication to her loved ones remain her most enduring legacy.

Marilyn will be remembered as a woman of kindness, strength, and generosity, who left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and community. Her memory will forever inspire those who were blessed to know her.

Survivors include her loving husband of 61 years, John; two daughters: Dyanna (Robert, III) Swisher of Godley, Illinois and Deborah Rutherford of Wilmington; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth (Pamellen) Cummins of Plano, Illinois; one sister, Linda (the late Larry) Riley of Effingham, Illinois and one brother-in-law, David Lynch of Flint, Michigan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Phyllis Lynch and four grandchildren in infancy.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and the family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until time of memorial service, 3:00 p.m. Pastor Jason Pace from First Christian Church will officiate, and Marilyn will be privately laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Marilyn’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, Salvation Army or to Grace on Wings (Charity Air Ambulance) in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Marilyn’s memorial page online through social media.

Services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)