On January 2, 2024, Marilyn McClure Schild, the life of the party and everyone’s favorite, went home to be with the Lord.
Marilyn, a lifelong resident of Madison County, was born in 1942, to James Reuben and Edna Miller McClure. In addition to her parents, Marilyn was predeceased by her brother, James A. McClure, Jr., her sister, Joyce Shrewsbury, and her husband, Albert Schild.
Survivors include her siblings, Leonard McClure (Margaret) and Grace Smith; her daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Jay Chandler; her son, Brad Schild; and stepson and daughter-in-law, Wade and Evelyn Schild. She is also survived by her grandchildren, who knew her as their beloved Mam: Kayle Schild, Jase (Anna), Patton, and Matthew Chandler, and great-grandchildren Larkin and Molly Chandler. Marilyn also leaves many nieces and nephews (who knew her as the “fun aunt!”) and a host of friends.
Marilyn lived a life of joy and service, primarily focusing on her faith and family. She was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, where she served as deacon and elder. She used her many gifts to give back to the Huntsville community, serving as a caregiver with hospice and as a court-appointed advocate for abused and neglected children. She mentored university students and served as a mentor and tutor at Lincoln Academy School.
Marilyn also excelled in her professional life. She began her Federal Service with the Army Missile Command at the entry-level level but quickly advanced to the top management level. Her final assignment was as the Director of the Business Management, Joint Attack Munition Systems Project Office. Due to her interpersonal and managerial skills, Marilyn received many citations and awards, including the Missile Command “Outstanding Supervisor Award,” the North Alabama Field Artillery Order of Saint Barbara, and the Army Meritorious Award. Retiring from Federal Service in 2006,
Marilyn began a second successful career with Wiley-CAS, Inc. as a Senior Analyst where she supported Department of Defense initiatives and programs for six years.
To know Marilyn was to love her; after all, she did win “Biggest Flirt” in her high school class. She could make you laugh like no other. She lived a life full of joy and warmth, and the world is a lonelier place without her. She loved people, and her gregarious
personality will be remembered fondly for generations.
The family would like to thank Debbie Bird, Lissa Burton Wingo, and April Briggs, who cared for Marilyn at the end of her life, Huntsville Hospital Hospice, and especially her hospice nurse Jan Howle. Their warmth, good humor, and care was a gift in a difficult time.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville, 307 Gates Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801 at 1:30 p.m. The family will receive visitors preceding the service, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Renovation Fund or to your favorite charity.
