Marilyn Virginia Lawson Goodwin was called to join God’s heavenly choir August 23, 2026, reuniting with her beloved husband and family members who have passed before her. On a beautiful Sunday morning, with cherished books and scripture being read to her while her favorite music played, she was surrounded by her loving family as she peacefully drew her last breath.

Marilyn was born June 10, 1937 to parents Harold and Dorothy Slocum Lawson of Baring, Missouri. She was the eldest of six children raised along the edge of the Santa Fe Railroad line and loved to share many stories and adventures unique to growing up in that small railroad town.

Marilyn was born during the hard and lean times after the Great Depression and was a young child during WW2. Growing up in tough times instilled in Marilyn a strong sense of family bonds, resilience, hard work, frugality, and the Lawson ability to “make do”- life lessons which she tried to pass on to her children and grandchildren. Through those difficult times, the Lawson family were very close and maintained strong bonds into adulthood.

Marilyn attended Baring Public School and graduated from high school in 1955. She then worked as a waitress and in factory jobs in the summers so she could afford to attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College and graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1959. She also completed several advanced masters level courses from the University of Missouri and Kansas.

At a St. Patrick’s Day dance in 1957, Marilyn caught the sparkling blue eyes of a local bachelor from Edina. Kenneth “Kenny” Goodwin was smitten and ready for matrimony and they were married on May 31, 1958 at St. Joseph’s Catholic church. Together they worked very hard and raised a successful farm and family. They had 64 years of love, challenges, and much happiness together.

Marilyn taught at the Novelty elementary and high school in the early 1960s and then worked as the librarian at the new Knox County High School from 1963-1968. She also taught Library Science classes for 10 years at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College.

In 1981 Marilyn accepted the job at the Knox County Library where she worked loyally for the next 32 years, retiring in 2013.

Marilyn was a member of the Alpha Phi Sigma and Kappa Delta Pi honorary scholastic societies. She served on several community boards over the years including the Knox County Nursing Home Board, St. Joseph Parochial School Board, Knox County Extension Council, St. Joseph’s Church Parish Council, St. Ann’s Alter Society, FmHA Board, and was a member of the Glendale and the Peasant Valley extension clubs.

Marilyn was also blessed with a beautiful singing voice, being a faithful member of the St. Joseph’s Church Christmas choir and song leader for many years.

Of course, being a librarian, Marilyn was a lifelong lover of reading -especially to her grandkids. She was also an avid writer, with her column, “On the Brighter Side”, being featured weekly for several years in the local newspaper.

She enjoyed studying family genealogy, history, and was a dedicated Jeopardy fan until the very end. She was also a long-standing family champion of Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, and an unapologetic “SORRY” player. She was a St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved music, movies, and many, many books throughout her lifetime.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth C. Goodwin; her parents, Harold and Dorothy Lawson; five siblings: Tom and his wife Karen Lawson, Barbara Fodness, Linda and her husband Tom Hirner, Robert Lawson, and Suzanne Small; special family member Melinda Maturo; and many beloved aunts, uncles and in-laws.

Marilyn is survived by her family that loved, protected, and cared for her during her final years: son James Kenneth and partner Bruce Hopson of St. Louis; daughter Mary Elizabeth and husband Kenton “KD” Bohon of Kirksville; grandson Mitchel Dean and wife Bailey Bohon of Camdenton, MO; granddaughter Abigail Blue Bohon of Kirksville; a very new great-grandson Waylon Daniel Bohon of Camdenton, MO; brother-in-law Gene Fodness and sister-in-law Judy Lawson, along with many beloved nieces, nephews; and special family members Heather, Jake, and Cody Tolisano, Taylor Maturo, and Matthew Maturo. We are so very blessed to have been loved and cared for by her.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and services will begin at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Officiating will be Father Boniface assisted by Deacon Ken Berry.

The Gift of Music will be provided by Thomas Kriegshauser and Jim & Kyle Clark.

Casket bearers will be Mitchel Bohon, K.D Bohon, Johnny McManus, Tommy McManus, Thomas Kriegshauser, Curtis Kirkpatrick, and Brady McLaren.

Honorary bearers will be Waylon Daniel Bohon, Joseph “Joe” McManus, John McManus and Tony Kriegshauser.

Memorials in memory of Marilyn L. Goodwin may be made to the St. Joseph Church Cemetery fund, Hospice of Northeast Missouri, or the Knox County Library. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.