Marilyn J. Smith-Axford

Marilyn J. Smith-Axford, 83, of Rockford went home to Jesus on Saturday, April. 1, 2023. Born May 27, 1939 in Perry, IA. 

The daughter of Reverend Walter T. and Miriam (Worrell) Martin. She graduated with her masters in voice from Northern IL University. She married Larry Smith on Dec. 27, 1960, in Postville, Iowa. He predeceased her on January 8, 2011. After Larry’s passing, she married John (Jack) H. Axford on 1/11/2014. He predeceased her on February 11, 2023. She was also preceded in death by her parents Reverend Walter T. and Miriam (Worrell) Martin.

Marilyn was an elementary school music teacher for over 25 years retiring in 1999. She taught at several schools including White Swan, Cherry Valley and Gloria Day in Rockford, IL. She was the chancel choir director at 3rd Presbyterian Church for many years. Then, she became a very active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church directing the children’s choir, directing the music and drama camp, helping with vacation Bible school, singing with the chancel choir, and serving wherever she was needed by following God’s call. She spent the last two decades at Wesley Willow serving as an advocate and spreading the love of Christ to all she encountered. She also started the Bards of the Willows Choral Group and directed it for many years. Marilyn had a passion for music, especially singing and teaching others to sing. Whether it was elementary school, church choirs, or private lessons, she was blessed with a gift and shared it well with others.

She loved her family very much and shared that love whenever she could. Taking the family out to dinner after church was always a favorite time together. She also enjoyed taking her grandchildren on what she called “adventure days” which had no agenda but fun. We have a favorite vacation spot in Michigan that we went to every summer in which a lot of memories and good times were instilled and are being passed down through the family. Marilyn was filled with the Holy Spirit, and it showed in everything she did. She would share Christ with anyone and led that love by example. She was an inspiration to everyone she came in contact with. Her love for the Lord will live on in her family and will be passed down to future generations. We love her and miss her but know that we will see her again thanks to Jesus Christ.

She is survived by, sister, Carolyn (Don) Knutson of Westfield, WI; by son, Josiah David (Cheryl) Smith of Cherry Valley, IL; daughter, Susannah (Jay) Chambers of Greeley, CO; former daughter-in-law Jacqueline Smith; step-children, Timothy (Loni) Axford, and Susan Axford Epperson; grandchildren, Zachary (Krista Bartelson) Smith of Rockford, Noah (Tricia) Smith of Rockford, Aubrey (Kalin) Wade, of Machesney Park, IL, Jarron (Sarah) Chambers of Eaton, CO, Alishah (Jordon) Mays of Pensacola, FL, Janson Chambers of Greeley, CO; step-grandchildren, Angela (Tyler) Wyman of Lanark, IL, and Abigail (Charles Zimmer) Rockwood of Rockford; great-grandchildren, Jaxton, Holly, and Wade Chambers, Ryatt Mays, Lennon Smith, Vivian and Archer Wade, and Harper Smith; and step-great-grandchildren George, Matthew, and Brooklyn Wyman.

Marilyn’s family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care she received from Wesley Willows and from Mercy Hospice, and for the spiritual care of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

There will be a brief service at Wesley Willows on Thursday, April 13 at 10:30 am for the residents that she loved and considered family. Marilyn’s hallelujah party will be at 11:00 am on Friday, April 14 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, IL with a celebration of life following the service. Pastor Gretchen Hammeke will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church for the Music Ministry Fund.