Helen Geraldine “Gerry” Marlin

Helen Geraldine “Gerry” Marlin, born March 1, 1933, in Kimberly, West Virginia, to Brown Loe Pelfrey and Bertha Mae VanCleve, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 16, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Fayne Pelfrey; and her sisters, Earlene Ruth Springer and Shirley Tyra.

She is survived by her two children, Jerry Wayne Marlin (Barbara) and Rhonda O’Dell (Mark); her brother, Brown “Brownie” Pelfrey, Jr.; her grandchildren, Lauren O’Dell-Patton (Brad), Kimberly Edwards (Jeff), Natalie O’Dell-Crocker (Jerry), and Austin Marlin (Mikala); and her great-grandchildren, Hayden Patton, Madison Marlin, Adalynn Crocker, Gemma Patton, Avery Marlin, and JJ Edwards.

Throughout her working years, Gerry was known for her strong work ethic and many talents. She held a variety of jobs, including working as a beautician and a seamstress, a skill she shared generously with countless people over the years. She ran the Mode O’Day store in Excelsior Springs and later worked for H.D. Lee Company, where she eventually retired. Even outside of her professional work, she continued sewing for friends, family, and members of her community, leaving behind not only garments but memories stitched with care.

Gerry loved life and embraced it fully. After the death of her father, Gerry and her siblings moved to an orphanage in Mooseheart, IL. After graduation, she moved to Excelsior Springs, MO, where she married Roy Marlin and had two children. She enjoyed orchids, square dancing, reading, and had a special love for the ocean, which led her to live for a time in Hilton Head and Stuart, Florida before returning back to Liberty, MO.

Though she was far too cool to be called “grandmother,” her grandchildren knew her lovingly as “Meme,” a role she filled with devotion and pride. She did that job exceptionally well, leaving her grandchildren with a lifetime of love and memories.

Gerry will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her strength, independence, talent, and powerful love she gave to those fortunate enough to know her. A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, MO.

Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.