Marilyn Rae Gerwig James

Marilyn Rae Gerwig James, 88 of Gassaway, died peacefully at home Wednesday, September 27, 2023, surrounded by her husband and family. 

Marilyn was born July 25, 1935 in Knapp, WV a daughter of the late Clarence “Criss” and Bea (Dobbins) Gerwig. 

She attended the Engle one-room schoolhouse through 6th grade and was a 1953 graduate of Gassaway High School, where she was a majorette. 

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 65 years, Johnnie James; children, Cheryl Gerwig Haugh (Barry) of Murrells Inlet, SC, Michael James (Debbie) of Corbin, KY, Jackie Turner (Brian) of Charleston, SC; sister, Joy Shepherd of Elkins; sisters-in-law, Jyrlene Jordan of Mesa, AZ and Maxine Hughes of Ravenswood; grandchildren, Chelsea Lutz (Tommy), Patrick Haugh, Amber DePra (Matt), Logan James, Sadie and Henry Turner; great grandchildren, Elliana Lutz and Natalie DePra; along with many nieces and nephews. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Elsie Gerwig; sister, Alta Mae Jenkins; brother-in-law, Russ Shepherd; niece, Diana Lynn Jenkins; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cody and Kitty James, Jimmie and Virgie James, Glen and Neb James, Pauline and Bubby Mowery, Monk Jordan; niece and nephew, Sheila Mowery McCord and Freddy Mowery. 

Marilyn was a Christian by faith, a member of the Old German Community Church, Rebekahs and the Order of the Eastern Star. Everyone will remember Marilyn as a great cook and the kids will remember her endless supply of candy. She also enjoyed western dancing with her husband, card games, word puzzles, and reading. 

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Belknap – Bender Run Cemetery on Chapel Road, Gassaway with Pastor Rick Hart officiating. 

The family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to the Kanawha Hospice staff and WV Home Health for their compassion, support and care for our wife and mother through the final days of her life. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Old German Community Church, c/o Joyce Wayne, Treasurer, 8761 Chapel Road, Gassaway, WV 26624.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com. 

Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.