Marilyn A. Jirjis Griffith

Marilyn A. Jirjis Griffith, 79 passed away on April 3, 2014 in Las Vegas, NV. She was born to the late Mathias and Vera Dorn in Chicago, IL and was a graduate of Purdue University and member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Marilyn married Edward Jackson in 1957 and moved to Pekin, IL, becoming an active member of the AAUW, Our Savior Lutheran, and various other charitable organizations. She married George Najib Jirjis in 1979 and moved to Washington, IL becoming a member of Crossroads Methodist Church. After George?s death she married a long-time college friend, Francis (Bill) Griffith. She resided in Las Vegas, NV until her death. Marilyn loved to read, garden, play bridge, travel, sing, and bake. She had a strong Christian faith that kept her strong throughout her life and especially during her battle with cancer. After raising her children, Marilyn earned her Master?s degree in Special Education from Illinois State University. She worked as a high school teacher at Pekin Community High School for 12 years, retiring in1999. She stayed active working 10 years part-time in the offices of Ruskusky Foot and Ankle Clinic, serving as a board member for the Tazewell County Retired Teachers Association, and volunteering with other civic groups. Marilyn is survived by her brother, James Dorn (Helen), and her children: Kimberly Jackson (Bob Rossi), Scott Jackson (Nola), Steven Jackson, Karen Vasquez, and Angela Durr. Stepchildren: Mark Jirjis (Cindy), Karen Carper, Jim Jirjis, Sheree Griffith Hayes (Bob), Renee Griffith (Ron Heim), Mark Griffith (Sonya), twenty-two grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands Dr. Edward Jackson, John Wagle, George Najib Jirjis, and stepson Glenn Griffith. Marilyn donated her body to science to continue to help educate others unselfishly. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on September 27, 2014 at 11 AM at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1420 N. Main St., Washington, IL. All that knew her are welcome. A luncheon will follow. Mason-White Funeral Home is assisting the family in arrangements. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may make donations to Washington Park Foundation to re-plant trees in the park from the devastation after the tornado in Washington, IL or to the American Cancer Society in honor of Marilyn.