Marilyn J. McCoy's Obituary
Our beloved angel on Earth, our mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Marilyn (Sparrow) McCoy, daughter of Walter and Mary Sparrow went to be with our Lord on April 24th, 2026. We are comforted to know that she has been joyously reunited with her son, Trent McCoy who preceded her in death as well as both her husbands, Gale “Mac” McCoy and Duke Wilke. Her family remaining that she loved so dearly include her daughter, Marla (Nick) Rose, grandchildren, Trey Rose, Kobe McCoy, Aveanna McCoy, all the McCoy grandchildren, her sister, Sharon (Gary) Ransom and brothers, Thomas and Richard Sparrow (both deceased), as well as many nieces and nephews. Marilyn was born January 16th, 1942, but we will keep that a secret as she never wanted to divulge her age. Even at doctor's appointments, she would only whisper it. The only time she would share her birthday was if there was a senior discount involved. Marilyn was born in Chicago but came to Muskegon when she was 3 years old. She graduated from Muskegon High School in 1960. After finishing high school, she started working at Teledyne Continental Motors as a secretary and worked her way up to executive secretary for the Vice President. She met her husband, Mac while working there. Marilyn's greatest desire was to be a mother and have a family, so she left Teledyne to raise her children. While raising her children, she became an entrepreneur. She bought and sold multiple properties and rentals and did very well at that. She also led a great life of service within the church and community. She was an elder at Pine Grove Reformed Church, taught Sunday school, and supported overseas children throughout their entire childhoods. In her late 40's, she received her teaching degree with honors. She worked with migrant workers and taught them how to read. She also had a love for writing and performing. She wrote and performed many plays and skits for church. Many years prior, she was also in the Miss Muskegon pageant and wrote and performed her own skit for her talent. Marilyn had many achievements and accomplishments in her lifetime and all that knew her, loved her. Her heart and soul shined through in everything she did and on everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. She was loving, caring, kind, compassionate, faithful, witty, charismatic, generous, and willing to help anyone. Her most important and deepest love though was for her children and especially her grandchildren. They were the softest part of her heart and she absolutely treasured them. Her favorite bible verse was Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. This was the perfect verse for her and for those that loved her, she was truly our heart and treasure! SERVICES for Marilyn will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Ferry Memorial Reformed Church, 8637 Old Channel Trail, Montague, MI 49437, with Pastor Mike Borgert officiating. She will be laid to rest in Egelston Twp. Cemetery. VISITATION with the family will be from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100, and one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday morning. MEMORIALS to the Pentecostal Church Ethiopia Children's Mission c/o Brett Ransom P.O. Box 205 Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810, will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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