Marilyn Simcox

Marilyn Rose "Susie" Simcox, 84, of Decatur, IL passed away on March 2, 2014 at home. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at the Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, March 6, 2014 at Central Christian Church with visitation one hour prior to service time at the church. Interment will be at Mt. Gilead Cemetery, Decatur, IL next to her beloved Dean immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church or DOVE, Inc, both of Decatur, IL. Susie was born May 25, 1929 in Central City, IL to Clarence Lester "Tib" and Philomena Rose (Amidei) Woolbright. Susie married her beloved Harold Dean Simcox in 1948. They were high school sweethearts and celebrated 61 years of married life until his death in December of 2009. They loved being parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. She is survived by their son, Dr. Paul David and wife, Ruth (Blackburn) of Bloomington, IN; daughter, Kim Teschner of Decatur, IL; son, Dr. Kevin Dean Simcox and wife Mary (Dennis) of West Des Moines, IA; and daughter, Mindora Sue and husband Jack Abell of St. Louis, MO; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, a brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Netje Woolbright of Centralia, IL, sister-in-law, Mary Woolbright of Springfield, IL, and nieces and nephews. Included in her extended family is Will Oostrom of the Netherlands, the Dorothy Cobb and Evelyn Gasber familes of Decatur, IL. Her husband, parents, and her brother, Clarence "Peanuts" Woolbright proceeded her in death. She graduated from Centralia Township High School in Centralia, IL in 1947. She worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Co. in Centralia, IL in 1948. In 1970 she helped establish Dove, Inc. in Decatur, IL with Raymond Batman. Susie started as a volunteer for four years and then was hired as volunteer coordinator for many years. She organized the Mother-to-Mother Program in Decatur that was sponsored by the National Disciples of Christ Christian Church and later served as a National coordinator for the program. Susie, Dean, and their family joined Central Christian Church in 1962. They served as Sunday school teachers and on the church board for many years. She was elected to be one of the first two women to serve as an elder and later was given the honor of an Elder Emeritus and Deaconess Emeritus. They worked for the desegregation of the Decatur Public Schools and gave many hours and love to others in need in the community. Peace and Justice issues were very important to the Simcox family. Susie belonged to Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over 50 years. She enjoyed playing golf in four leagues with many friends. Susie and Dean traveled extensively in the USA and the world. They loved to dance to the music of the 50's and 60's, and to buy and refinish antique furniture. They have been blessed with a wonderful family, friends, and neighbors over the years in Sandoval, IL, Centralia, IL, Evansville, IN, and Decatur, IL. Susie loved sports and especially the Chicago Cubs and the Illini teams. Susie loved people and everyone was her best friend. Her family appreciated the medical professionals that took such good care of Mom; Dr. Craig Brown, Dr. Naeem Jatoi, Dr. Manohar Kola, Dr. Howard Wiarda, and Dr. Ben Esparaz, and their staff, the Decatur Memorial Hospital Hospice, and the caretakers from Comfort Keepers. "
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