Marjorie Jean Parson passed away peacefully on September 6, with her devoted husband, Gene Parson, by her side. She was just three days shy of her 87th birthday. Marje was born on September 9, 1930 to Howard and Dorothy Peyton in Evanston, Illinois. She had one brother, John, who died in childhood. Marje attended Lakeview High School in Chicago and Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL. At Monmouth, she was very active in many groups, including theater and choir, but her favorite was her Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. Marje met Stan Brown at Monmouth. They were married on her 20th birthday and together they raised three children.Marje was a member of Castleton United Methodist Church for over 50 years. For many years,Marje sang in the Choir and participated in many other ministries. She was particularly proud of being among the first teachers at Castleton's Preschool.In her 50s, Marje took up ballroom dancing. It was through this activity that she met her dance and future life partner, Gene Parson. They married on April 6, 1991. In retirement, Marje and Gene became snowbirds and spent winters in their Polk City, Florida home. Marje was always a very creative person, but it was during this part of her life that she became accomplished watercolor artist.Marje loved nature, water aerobics with her Mermaids, TV and movie comedies and Broadway musicals. Her laugh was infectious and her smile was a big hug.Marje is survived by her loving husband, Gene; her children, Kathy Cuppy (Dave), David Brown (Kathleen), and Karen Butler; Gene's children, Larry Parson (Julianna), Cathy Buehler, Joe Parson (Lesa), Michelle Watson (Randy) and Andy Parson; 16 grandkids and 11 great-grandkids.A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Castleton United Methodist Church. A time for fellowship and to visit with Marje's family begins at 10:00 a.m. and the service will start at 11:30 a.m.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The or the National .