Obituary of Marvis J. Wilcox

Marvis Jean Whyte Wilcox, 95, has been a resident of the Sayre Personal Care Center for the last 6 months and prior to that from Athens since 1954.  Marvis was born April 5, 1922 in Sayre, PA to Fred & Helen Whyte.  Marvis passed away after a brief stay at Sayre Health Care Center on December 10, 2017.

When Marvis married the love of her life, Duane, she put her total focus on being the best wife anyone could ever have.  While he was in WWII, a two-year separation made a strong woman out of Marvis.   Education and her love of church were very important to Marvis.  At the age of 63, Marvis completed studies to obtain her high school diploma. This energized her so much, she went on to complete Nurse’s Aide training.  In their senior years, Marvis & Duane loved traveling in their little RV.  Marvis was the navigator while Duane did all the driving.  Marvis loved her family!  All who visited her were uplifted when they parted.  She was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor.  Marvis was a gifted baker who loved making bread and pies the old-fashioned way.  Keeping her home clean was very important to her.  She loved decorating for all the holidays.  Marvis was an avid gardener, very artistic and enjoyed making crafts for the Church Bazaar.  She loved ceramics and made sock monkeys for all the grandchildren. 

Marvis is predeceased by her beloved husband, Duane, of 74 years, sisters Dorothy Willis, Helen Brennan, Florence Foster, Dolores Warner, daughter-in-law, Carolyn Murphy Wilcox, and son-in-law, Ralph “Pete” Mullen.

Marvis is survived by daughter, Bonnie (Robert) Mullen-Bell of Riverside, CA,  son, Duane (Catherine) Wilcox of Pine City, NY,  son, David (Jamie) Wilcox of Erin, NY, granddaughter, Sherry (Fernando) Murillo of Rancho Belago, CA, grandson, Gary Mullen of Riverside, CA, granddaughter, Donna (John) Pittenger of Riverside, CA, grandson, Terry Wilcox of Pine City, NY,  granddaughter, Kelly Wilcox of Rhinebeck, NY,  granddaughter, Shawnie (Thomas) Brown of Caton, NY , grandson, Joel (Shannon) Wilcox of Pine Valley, NY, grandson, Lance (Amber) Wilcox of Pine City, NY, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Over Marvis & Duane’s many years living in Athens, neighbors going above and beyond, were the late Herb Barry & wife, Susan and Nancy Fassett.   Special recognition goes to nephew, Red Willis of Barton, NY for his faithful Sunday morning visits.  While Marvis was in her Athens home, standout caregivers were Amy Brown and Maria Lawrence.  And, Mom’s favorable stay at Sayre Personal Care Center showed another angel caregiver, Susan Robbins. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 11am at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA with the Rev. Linda Rogers officiating.

Burial will follow in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, where Marvis and her beloved husband Duane will be laid to rest together.

As a tribute to Marvis, donations may be made to the: Church of the Redeemer Maintenance Fund, 201 South Wilbur Avenue, Sayre, PA 18840 or Stray Haven Humane Society, 194 Shephard Road, Waverly, NY 14892.