Marian F. Dwyer

Marian Frances Dwyer, 87, Waynesville, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, after a long illness. She was born July 24, 1924, to Sadie Lou (Brooks) and Ernest C. Swann, in Athens, Georgia. She married James E. Dwyer, Jr., "Jimmie," on January 25, 1946. She was devoted to Jimmie, who left her side on September 1, 1997, every day of her life. Marian's experiences as an Army wife led her from the deep south to the deeper woods of Northern Michigan, where she was embraced by her husband's family, who loved her dearly. Marian traveled by train across the country and by ship across the ocean with two babies to Japan in 1949, and once again by ship to Japan in 1956, each time to join Jimmie after his service during the Korean War. She served faithfully as a devoted military wife for tours throughout the country, including Hawaii, where she enjoyed the music and dance of that new state in the early '60s. Upon retirement at Fort Leonard Wood in 1965, she was active in the community of Waynesville, supporting her son Michael's school and athletic events, serving on the Waynesville City Council Planning and Zoning Committee, and as a long-time member of the Waynesville Study Club. She was a faithful member of the Crocker Presbyterian Church. Marian was a full-time homemaker, devoted to her husband and his many adventures pursuing his love of the outdoors. She was also a dedicated mother to her three children, an accomplished seamstress, and a cook beyond compare. Marian Dwyer is survived by her three loving children, Gloria (Jeani) Thomson, Gail Smith (Jesse), and Michael Dwyer (Anita), and was a beloved mother-in-law. She also leaves to celebrate her life her ten grandchildren, including granddaughters Elizabeth Dodds Flood (Jim), Kerrie Thomson Creemer ( Trafton), Ashley Thomson Dean ( Justin), Andrea Dwyer, and Mallory Thomson; and grandsons Brian and Marcus Dodds, Lendsey Thomson, and Doug and Alex Dwyer. Her ever-growing family proudly includes six great-grandchildren: Bailey and Aram Flood, Oliver and Sadie Creemer, and Bridget and one-week-old Bowman Dean. Mourning the passing of a dear sister include Ann Steiert, and sisters-in-law Virgie Dwyer and Nita Wickey (Chris). She is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews. Marian will be loved, remembered and missed as a gentle, gracious soul. She set an exemplary example by her love and devotion to her husband and family, to include many special canine family members, beyond all else. Visitation will be held at noon on Saturday, February 4th, at the Waynesville Memorial Chapel, with services to take place at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Waynesville Study Club, 22745 Rose Meadow Lane, Waynesville, 65583, to support the club's contributions to charitable causes in the community, or to an animal shelter of the donor's choice.

Marian F. Dwyer

July 24, 1924 - January 31, 2012