Margery B. Heath's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Margery B. Heath, age 92 of Charleston, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 while at Brookstone Estates of Charleston. There will be no public services and her family will celebrate and honor her life in a privately conducted service to be held at a later date. Inurnment will be on the family farm. It is requested that thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the E.I.U. Foundation - The Heath Sports Medicine Scholarship. Gifts may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Marge was born July 9, 1922 in Charleston, a daughter of the late Melvin and Margery (Scriven) Thomas. She met the love of her life in 1941 while attending Eastern Illinois University and on June 12, 1945 she became the bride of Dr. Jerry D. Heath. They soon would have been celebrating 70 wonderful years of marriage and have enjoyed a friendship that has endured even longer. They are survived by two devoted children, Forest "Frosty" Heath and wife Connie of Charleston and Jean Evans and husband Carson of LaSalle, CO; 6 grandchildren, Kelly Heath, Lindsay Heath and Jamie (Pat) Barry, all of Chicago, Aaron (Jolie) Evans, Ryan (Micah) Evans, and Lauren (Will) Forsythe, all of Colorado; 9 great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles Thomas and wife Candace of Cookeville, TN; and several nieces and nephews and their families. She is preceded in death by 3 brothers and a sister. Marge attended E.I.U. during which time she assisted in establishing Delta Zeta Sorority as a Charter Member, and was crowned Homecoming Queen in 1942. She attained her bachelor's degree in 1944 and she and Jerry have both remained extremely supportive of the university and its programs. They have established a scholarship in their name, are Lifetime Members of the E.I.U. Foundation and received the Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2009. Marge was previously a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Charleston where she attended church the first 80 years of her life. She was actively involved with the Presbyterian Women's organization and was an Elder. She was currently a member of the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church and a longtime member of P.E.O. Chapter KO. Marge's love for nature was evident. She so enjoyed the farmland they owned and the acreage that was set aside to establish a prairie sanctuary for the wild turkeys, deer and other wildlife. She encouraged the area bluebird population through the many bluebird houses which she erected. She also enjoyed growing her own herbs and spices which were used to prepare delicious family meals. Marge's love for her family and others was demonstrated in numerous ways. She was a loving caregiver to her mother for many years and a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother for her own family. She created a warm and inviting home - she had a gift for making all who entered feel comfortable and welcome. Marge was a true friend to many and she will be missed by her many friends as well as a family who loved her dearly as they cherish a lifetime of wonderful memories.Click to view Marge's memorial video.
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