MANSFIELD, Ohio – “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14) Comforting words from Jesus to his disciples were a foundational verse to Marilyn Renfroe. A woman strong in the Christian faith, gentle in spirit, and kind in service to the Lord, Marilyn had a keen sense of adventure; she loved to laugh and seek out the fun, and earned the nickname “Grandma Bling.”
Friday afternoon March 20, 2015 Marilyn went to be in the Lord’s presence as she was surrounded by the family she so dearly loved. She was 82.
Marilyn was born July 11, 1932 to James and Mary (Marshall) Davidson and was graduated from Lexington High School in 1950. She studied Christian Education at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and graduated from there in 1956. She later graduated from Ohio State University with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education.
Marilyn was active in the churches she attended. She taught a young people’s class, Sunday school, Jr. Church and was Superintendant of Vacation Bible School.
She attended Berean Baptist Church and was active in the Bible Study, prayer meeting and other activities.
She was married to Donald Renfroe (who is deceased) for 50 years. She is survived by their children Samuel & Deborah Renfroe of Mansfield and Pamela & Randy Kern of Monument, CO; grandchildren Matthew Renfroe of Kent, Rebecca & Alvin Hardin of Overland Park, KS, Jeremy & Tina Renfroe of Mansfield and Alex Kern of Monument, CO; great grandchildren Avionna Hardin, Desiré Hardin, Abijah Hardin and Lacey Renfroe; brothers Donald & Mary Davidson of Ellicott City, MD, Dean & Sally Davidson of Lexington, Roger & Gayle Davidson of Bonita Springs, FL, Larry Davidson of Chandler, AZ; sisters Norma Brindle of Ashland, Shirley and Daniel Stiteler of Mansfield, Carol and Larry Eicher of Mansfield, Vicki and Marty Breitinger of Mansfield, and Karen and Edd Dunlap of Delaware; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, two sisters are deceased Joyce and Sondra Davidson.
Marilyn taught school at Clear Fork Elementary in Bellville for 23 years. She loved children and working with them. Before that she taught Bible in Union, Plymouth and Shiloh Schools in Richland County.
She previously attended Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Woodville Grace Brethren Church, and was charter member of Lexington Grace Brethren Church. She had recently been attending Berean Baptist Church.
In 1950-1956 she worked at Therm-O-Disc.
Her legacy would be “suffer the little children to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of God.”
The Renfroe family will receive friends Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. Visitation continues Friday 10 to 11 a.m. in the foyer of Berean Baptist Church, 2145 Middle Bellville Road. A worship service, giving glory to God for the life of Marilyn Renfroe will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary of Berean Baptist Church, with Pastors Nate Meiers, Jim Berry and Steve Kern officiating. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery.
Contributions in Marilyn’s memory to Berean Baptist Church may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Marilyn’s family. Send them a message of sympathy or support – or see Marilyn’s tribute video at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
