Marilyn Anne Shearman

Marilyn was born in Jefferson, Iowa, the only child of Harold and Gladys Shearman. She and her parents lived on a family “Century” farm south of town. She was a “country school” girl until 4th grade when she then attended “city school” in Jefferson through high school graduation. In high school Marilyn entertained her friends with her quick wit. She was a faithful friend to all. She always had the lead in high school musicals. She had a beautiful singing voice. She could put on slumber parties that were second to none. When the girls were full of brownies Marilyn’s dad would give them a ride in his plane. Not a good combination. Yuck! When Marilyn became a spirit filled Christian, she always referred to Jesus as “SWEET JESUS!” Oh, how she loved him.

Marilyn’s Aunt Helen and Aunt Dorothy were both nurses and Marilyn wanted to follow in their footsteps, so she enrolled in the Iowa Lutheran Nursing School in Des Moines. This led to a rewarding career full of adventure which took her to Denver, California, Florida, Georgia, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Rome, and Jerusalem.

Marilyn returned to Jefferson to continue her nursing at Greene County Medical Center while also caring for her parents until their deaths. After 39 years of nursing Marilyn retired. She joined Abundant Life Ministries and soon became recognized as the happy soul she was, full of laughter which drew friends and neighbors to her side. Those relationships lasted and served her throughout her latter years. Marilyn was a Giver Deluxe. Every Christmas season, Marilyn purchased lovely poinsettias for the church platform. She loved to purchase presents and gift them to many! Over the years, women at Abundant Life Ministries received lovely pieces of jewelry from Marilyn! The men were not forgotten. They received coats and sweaters. Her pastors, Dave and Becky Schroeder were held dear by Marilyn! She always honored them with generous gifts on their birthdays and holidays. They cared for her kindly.

Marilyn remained in her home until December 2018 when she moved into The Gardens Assisted Living in Jefferson. November 2022 she moved to Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home in Coon Rapids where she received the love and care she needed at her stage of life. Marilyn peacefully went home to meet her SWEET JESUS April 24, 2023. She was loved and will be missed by many.

Donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to:  Jefferson Public Library, 200 W Lincoln Way, Jefferson, IA 50129   and Greene County Community Foundation (check payable to: Greater Des Moines Community Foundation; memo: Greene County Community Foundation; mail to Home State Bank, 115 State Street, Jefferson, IA 50129. Please attach a note indicating in memory of Marilyn Shearman.)  Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.

Born: November 1, 1936 - Jefferson, Iowa

Died: April 24, 2023 - Coon Rapids, Iowa

Age: 86 Years

Visitation with the Family

10:00 a.m., Monday, May 1, 2023 at Abundant Life Ministries in Jefferson, Iowa

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m., Monday May 1, 2023 at Abundant Life Ministries in Jefferson, Iowa

Words of Comfort by Pastor Isaak Wangler, Abundant Life Ministries, Jefferson, Iowa

Congregational Hymns: “My Jesus, I Love Thee” and “Amazing Grace” - Miranda Sebourn, Accompanist

Nurse Honor Guard Tribute - Nurse Honor Guard of Calhoun County 

Honorary Bearers: Tom Shearman, Dick Davis, Richard Nelson, Dan Wise, Sid Jones, Bruce Binkley 

Casket Bearers: Terry Lang, Dean Rogers, Tom Lawton, Dave Schroeder

Interment - Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson, Iowa