Marilyn Morgan Jarrell, 90, passed away surrounded by family on September 23, 2026. Born on January 22, 1936, in Montgomery, Alabama, she was the daughter of CJ Morgan and Eula Mae Morrison Morgan.
Marilyn grew up in Brentwood, Maryland, and attended the University of Maryland, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Edward “Ted” Jarrell, following his four years of service in the United States Navy. The two were married on June 15, 1957, beginning a beautiful life together that spanned nearly 55 years until Ted’s passing on March 13, 2012.
Marilyn began her career as an elementary school teacher in Prince George’s County, Maryland, before dedicating herself to raising their two children. Together, Marilyn and Ted built a life centered around family, settling in Damascus, Maryland, before moving to Quincy Village in September 1997.
Marilyn had a lifelong love of learning and a curious mind. She enjoyed needlepoint, crafts, playing bridge, and reading. She stayed informed about current events and always kept a world atlas nearby so she could look up the places she heard about in the news. A teacher at heart, she delighted in sharing her love of reading and learning with others, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her faith and church were an important part of her life, and she expressed that faith through a lifetime of generosity and service. She taught Sunday school, volunteered in local elementary schools, offered counsel and support to members of her church, donated her time at food and clothing outreach programs, and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Whether caring for her family or serving her community, Marilyn gave freely of her time and herself, always willing to help someone in need.
Perhaps one of the greatest expressions of her love and devotion was the care she gave Ted throughout his 20-year journey with Parkinson’s disease. During the final two years of his life, when he resided in a nursing home, Marilyn visited him multiple times each day, helping him with his meals and ensuring he received the care and attention he needed. Her unwavering dedication to him reflected the love they shared throughout their life together.
Above all, Marilyn treasured her family. She was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother to her two children, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She was generous with her time, making countless sacrifices for those she loved. Her kindness, compassion, and steadfast devotion touched not only her family but also the many friends and members of her community who were fortunate enough to know her.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane (Craig); her son, Dan (Pam); her granddaughter, Meredith (Bennett); her grandson, Brendan (Haley); and her four great-grandchildren, Emerson, Mollie, Owen, and Eleanor. She is also survived by her siblings, Maureen Hoffman, Miriam Morgan, and Michael Morgan.
Marilyn’s life was one of love, family, faith, and service. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her devotion to those she loved, and the countless ways she gave of herself to others. Her memory will live on through the generations of family she leaves behind, the many cherished moments they shared, and the lives she touched throughout her community.
Services to be held at Faith in Christ United Methodist Church, 100 S. Church St., Waynesboro, PA, on October 2nd. 2026 at 11:00 A.M., streaming on Faith in Christ UMC Facebook page, with Celebration of Life at Minnich Manor at Quincy Village following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, at www.michaeljfox.org, in memory of Marilyn.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, PA is handling the arrangements.
