Marilyn McElhaney was born on February 24, 1938 in Mount Vernon, Illinois. She passed from this life surrounded by her loving family on October 17, 2026 at the age of 88 years old.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Robert Lee Guill; her mother, Evelyn Guill; her sister, Patricia Ann Maddox (Byford Dean Maddox); and her beloved husband, Rev. James Howard McElhaney.

She is survived by her twin sister, Marian Tennyson (Clyde L. Tennyson) of Mount Vernon, Illinois, and her brother, Robert Lee Guill Jr. (Connie Guill) of Midlothian, Virginia.

She is also survived by her children, Marilyn Jane Martin (Samuel “Sandy” Martin) of Lyles, Tennessee; James Howard McElhaney II of Spring Hill, Tennessee; and Jonathan David McElhaney (Mitzi Lee McElhaney) of Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Her grandchildren include James Howard McElhaney III; Morgan McElhaney Johnson (Tucker Johnson); Jonathan Mason McElhaney; Miles David Lee McElhaney; and Madelyn Joelle McElhaney. She is also survived by her great-grandchild, Aspen Jo McElhaney.

For approximately 62 years, Marilyn faithfully supported her husband in ministry, evangelism, and pastoring multiple churches. She was a beloved mother to her children and affectionately known as “Mimi” to her grandchildren.

Marilyn was well known for playing the accordion and singing alongside her family in the gospel group, The Endtime Five. She was a beloved Sunday school teacher who touched the lives of countless children. She was also a dedicated Bible study teacher and a gifted communicator of God’s Word.

Marilyn leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, love, and devotion to God and her family. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and church family, but her influence and the lives she touched will continue for generations to come.