Marilyn Gunn Gober, age 81, of El Dorado passed away October 26, 2023. She was born in Crossett, Arkansas on May 12, 1942 to the late Early Guice and Gertie Cleo Sturdivant Gunn.
After graduating in 1960 from Strong High School, she worked in the tax department at Murphy Oil. Marilyn modeled at the El Dorado House, as well as Miss Union County and Miss Arkansas Donna Axum’s trunk show at the Country Club prior to her crowning as Miss America in 1964. Marilyn retired after 32 years as a US Postal rural carrier. She also worked at J.A. West Company as a traffic director for local radio stations. Marilyn enjoyed genealogy, sewing, cooking and family reunions. Her family ties and connections were her passion, only second to her Great Love of God and Godly examples she set her whole life. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church where she taught Girls in Action, GA’S, and Evangelism. Marilyn volunteered as one of many for The Welcome Wagon, so one way or another she met most who moved to town. She worked The Southern Baptist Convention locally and with the Little Rock board of directors. She and Adah Mayhan worked on designing and teaching women to lean toward their colors using Color Me Beautiful swatches and fabrics to go with you shopping.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Bill Gober, parents Early Guice and Gertie Cleo Sturdivant Gunn; and niece Amber Ogle Dunn.
She is survived by her daughter Kimberly (Jeff) Gober and son Jason (Johnye) Gober; grandchildren Bayley Gober, Brooke (Grant) Fletcher, Ila Hyams (Seth Bain), Jackson Hyams (Britney Loerwald), Maddy Purtle; and great -grands Lou and Oliver Purtle; twin sister Carolyn (Jim) Robnolt and sister Gwen (Ray) Ogle.
Visitation will be at Immanuel Baptist Church, 3209 West Hillsboro Street, El Dorado, Arkansas from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM on Thursday, November 2, 2023, with Funeral Service to begin at 1:00 PM. Burial to follow after service at Ebenezer Presbyterian Cemetery, Jones Lake Road in Strong, Arkansas. Flowers being handled by LaPegusus Florist in El Dorado, Arkansas.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, AR 72076. 501-982-3400 Marilyn’s online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
12 Comments
Mrs. Marilyn will be missed greatly by my family and I. She was always such a sweet, kindhearted woman. I’m so blessed to have been able to know her. Prayers to Kim and Jason as yall navigate through this hard time.
Prayers for Carolyn and Jim and all Marilyn’s loved ones.
One of the SWEETEST, PRETTIEST & CARING LADY that I’ve ever met. She was more like a MOM to our family ( candy, smiles and encouragement) as our MailLady. We would literally sit by the Mailbox @ 11:45 because she’d be coming around the curve.
I’m thankful that she had apart in my Life. Rip
Thank you she considered all that she did in her life as a ministry to show God’s love. So precious and free. Be well and thank you for sharing
I knew from the beautiful picture that it had to be Carolyn’s sister. Prayers for you and Jim and family. Marie Jordan
Such a shock. I remember her and Carolyn from school. They were so cute! Prayers for all the family and friends. God bless and keep you.
There is so much to celebrate in Marilyn’s life and her legacy will live through her family, she will be missed by so many. I’m blessed to have known her and thankful for her impact on my life
Sending our love and condolences to you all! What an absolute beautiful montage, thank you for sharing! Love Always, Sarah & family
Thank you Cali cousins and Pam has given much of her time helping us and loving us both Jason and I through this season😘
On behalf of everyone at Arkansas Capital, we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and sympathies go out to Jason and all of Marylyn’s loved ones.
Thank you she considered all that she did in her life as a ministry to show God’s love. So precious and free. Be well and thank you for sharing
Marilyn was such a sweet lady. I have nothing but good memories of her smile and kindnesses. I’m praying you will feel God’s comfort during this time of loss.
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