Marilyn Marie (Sperling) Whitmore

Marilyn M. Whitmore, 87, of Jackson, passed away Friday, August 2, 2024, at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau.

She was born October 23, 1936, in Cape Girardeau, to Otto and Sarah Ford Sperling.    She was a 1954 graduate of Jackson High School.

She married Robert L. “Bob” McLemore.  They had five children, and lived in the communities of Jackson, Piedmont, and Chaffee. Marilyn worked at Maxine’s Drive-In in Chaffee and many years as an Avon representative.

Marilyn and Joseph L. “Joe Lee” Whitmore were married June 25, 1988, in Jackson.  They had been married 29 years when Joe passed away November 28, 2017.

Marilyn was a longtime member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson, its Bethany Circle, and the church choir. Civic memberships included Eastern Star in Jackson (past Worthy Matron), the Elks Ladies Auxiliary in Cape Girardeau (former Chaplain), and the Lady Eagles in Cape Girardeau (Past President).

Marilyn was an avid Cardinals Baseball fan.  Until her health declined, she enjoyed monthly meetings with her classmates and helping plan class reunions.

Loving survivors include four children: Theresa (David) Hopkins of Jackson; Robin (Chris) Miller of Annapolis, Missouri; John (Vicki) McLemore, and Joe (Jennifer) McLemore of Cape Girardeau; a son-in-law, Tad (late Diana) Robinson of Fruitland, Missouri; six grandchildren: Josh Hopkins; Luke Hopkins; Christopher Miller; Richard Robinson; Sarah Robinson; and Samantha McLemore; six great-grandchildren; two siblings, Tom (Marianne) Sperling of Jackson; Frances (Leon) Wessel of Ranson, West Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Lee Whitmore; a daughter, Diana Robinson; her parents; and an infant brother, Robert Henry Sperling (1940).

Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.  The Revs. Sam Roethemeyer and Joshua Rau will conduct the funeral service at 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests Emanuel United Church of Christ or Old McKendree Chapel, 4080 Bainbridge Rd,  Jackson, Mo 63755.

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