Marilyn Kay Dempsey was born December 6, 1945 in Cardwell, MO. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her husband and children, on February 2, 2021, after battling Parkinson's Disease and dementia. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Danny Knight, Sr ., and her brother, Ronnie (Sharon) Wilborn. She is survived by her husband of over 58 years, James Edward Dempsey, Sr., her children Ed (Jill) Dempsey, Jr., Shawn Knight, Chris (Monica) Dempsey, and Alicia (Dan) Byer. She is survived by her sister, Dawna (Bill) Schatzley , eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and a large extended family whom she loved dearly.

She was 13 years old when James first saw and was captivated by her smile. They had their first date when she was 14. They pledged their love to one another on Valentine's Day when she was 15 and married when she was 16. They enjoyed over 58 years of marriage, honoring the pledge they had made as teenagers.

Hers is a true great American success story. She overcame humble beginnings to work with her husband in growing Stewart Bros Hardware Company into a successful business. Together, they furnished hardware throughout the country and opened three additional retail hardware stores. She would say, however, her greatest success was her family. She was the spouse, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother everyone wishes they had. She enjoyed taking her grandchildren back to school shopping and out to eat. She never missed a graduation or a school performance. She made Easter egg hunts and Christmas wonderful, anticipated, special time s for the entire family.

She was the personification of generosity, and the embodiment of unconditional love. She was a benefactor to many causes, including Children's Home of Paragould, AGAPE (Memphis), HopeWorks (Memphis), and Memphis Harding Academy. She was awarded Harding Academy's Esprit De Cor p s in 2015 , recognizing her for years of service to the school. She was one of the most active parents in the Cherry Road Mothers Club and was instrumental in orchestrating the Bargain Bonanza fundraiser in the mid - 1980s.

Marilyn was very active in the Church of Christ, enjoying her time at the East Frayser , Twin Oaks, and Oliver Creek congregations. She taught children's Bible classes, coordinated benevolence drives, provided Christmas presents for underprivileged children, served countless cookies at VBS, chaperoned youth events, and organized hundreds of potlucks . She had a profound love for Christian hymns, and her favorites were songs of heaven.

She was the one you turned to when you had fallen on hard times or were facing significant challenges. She was a mother figure to many more than her birth children. Her home was a place to feel safe and valued . She demonstrated her faith by her works and her many secret acts of kindness. She believed the words of Jesus, "Let your giving be done in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret , will reward you" (Matt 6:4).

Marilyn has finished her race and left us with a legacy of love. Her memorial service will be held at Oliver Creek Church of Christ on Saturday, Feb 6. Visitation will begin at 10:00, followed by the service at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: her great grandson Shep's medical fund (c/o Oliver Creek Church of Christ; 8313 HWY 70; Bartlett TN 38002), HopeWorks (whyhopeworks.org), or Children's Homes, Inc (childrenshomes.org).