Marilyn Sue Hemenway |87 | Jacksonville

Marilyn Sue Hemenway, 87, went to be with her Savior on June 1, 2026.
She was born Feb. 12, 1939, the daughter of Herschel and Gladys Martin Williams. She married Sam Thornton Jr. and later Eli Hemenway.
Marilyn graduated from Greenfield High School and attended Ozark Airlines College. Throughout her life, she worked as a bank teller, bookkeeper, grain merchandiser, actuary, and finished her career working for John Deere Life and John Deere Credit. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, a lifetime member of the Illinois PEO chapter I.O., and sang with the Sweet Adeline’s for several years. Marilyn started her own tour company, Marilyn’s Tours, and enjoyed hosting her own successful trips and meeting new people over the years. Her favorite role was being a grandma.
She is survived by three children, Sam (Tracy) Thornton, Doug (Shirley) Thornton and Susan (John) Lansaw; two step-children, Pat Hemenway and Becky (David) Hoff; and nine grandchildren, Erica Zahradka, Jennifer (Shane) Snook, Jacob Thornton, Aimee (Taylor) Zurliene, Josh (Sara) Thornton, Lydia (Tanner Gress) Lansaw and Belle Lansaw; three step-great grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; nine step-great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; her sister, Doris (Dave) Myatt; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Jacque Williams; one step-grandchild; and her husband, Eli.
A celebration of life was held on Friday, June 5, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 4-6 with service immediately following. A private family committal service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to the Scott County Nursing Center in Winchester, IL.
The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements.