It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn Ann Smith , who departed this life peacefully on August 29, 2025, held in the love of her family.

Born on November 10, 1938, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Marilyn was the daughter of Robert and Dorothy Henneberry.  She attended Monroe Grade School (grades 1-8), Lansdown Junior High, and East St. Louis Senior High School, graduating in 1956. She went on to study nursing at Alton Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1959.

Marilyn began her nursing career at St. Mary's Hospital in East St. Louis before joining the United States Air Force, where she proudly served as a nurse at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming where she rose in rank to Second Lieutenant. Later, she worked as a staff nurse at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville from 1990 to 2001.  Her dedication to service, both in the military and in her community, left a lasting impact on countless lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved first husband, Captain Calvin B. Adolph Sr., her son, Calvin B. Adolph Jr., and her second husband, James C. Smith.  She is survived by her devoted children: Susan (Robert Heisse), Karen Crane and Carla (Michael) Schreiber, Lynn (Wayne) Morris (step-daughter); her cherished grandchildren: Schuyler (Chase) Tindall, Jordan and Kailey Crane, Kirsten Zimmerman, and Gavin Ipanis; and her treasured great-grandchildren: Karsyn, Beau, Luka, and a great-grandchild soon to be welcomed by Kirsten.

Marilyn's passions were as vibrant as her spirit.  She was a proud member and leader of the local Twins Club where her warmth and wisdom touched many.  She loved the Lord and found joy in her church community.  Her happiest moments include traveling the world---visiting Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Greece, Peru, France, Turkey, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria Hungary, India, Egypt, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, and Russia.  Among all these places, India held a special place in her heart for its beauty, colors and vibrance.

At home, Marilyn found joy in her garden, her dogs, reading, movies, Chiefs football, music at the Fox Theatre and Muny Opera, and lunches with friends and family.  Most of all, she loved being present in the lives of her children and grandchildren—cheering at their sports, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating countless memories together.  She considered raising her children to be good and decent people her greatest achievement, and she was endlessly proud of her family.

To know Marilyn was to love her.  She embodied kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. She was a woman of compassion, whose heart was always open, and whose life was devoted to nurturing others.

Marilyn's love and light will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations:

Warren Billhartz Collinsville Animal Shelter

Collinsville Food Pantry

1st Baptist Church-Collinsville, Illinois for children's programs

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:30am, Friday, September 12, 2025, from the Chapel of Herr Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the hour of service.

Following the celebration of life, Marilyn will be laid to rest at St. John Cemetery in Collinsville, Illinois where she will receive military honors for her faithful service to her country.

The family is being served by Herr Funeral Home, 501 West Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois 62234.  (618) 344-0187