Marilyn Shoemaker

Marilyn Smith Shoemaker, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend returned to her heavenly home to meet her Savior, parents, and other loved ones on December 17, 2017 from her home in Draper, Utah following a battle with cancer. She was born on October 6, 1950 to Harold Orson Smith and Bertha Minerva "Erva" Andrus Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was immediately adored by her three older brothers and cherished by her parents. She grew up in Draper where she spent the vast majority of her life. As a teenager she was diagnosed with a rare and fatal malady. Through the love, faith, and prayers of her family and friends, and the blessing of a prophet, a miracle was realized and her health was restored. She graduated from Jordan High School and later from Brigham Young University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising. She enjoyed being a member of the Ballroom Dance Team, and often referred to her years at BYU as some of the most magical of her life. She married Randall Kent Shoemaker on August 18, 1972 in the Salt Lake Temple. They later divorced. Four children were born to them: Jeremy, Pamilla, Maren, and Julie. Marilyn loved being a mother and cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. She delighted in their delights and made them her first priority.

Marilyn returned to her alma mater, Jordan High School, where she held the position of Head Administrative Assistant. She recently retired from this position after 29 years of dedicated service. Not only did she do her work with integrity and attention to detail, but she was also a kind and loving force for those she worked with.

Marilyn had a deep and abiding love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, and an immovable faith in Him. She knew that family ties and love truly do transcend the boundaries of mortality through obedience to the merciful plan of a loving Father in Heaven and through the great atoning sacrifice of our Savior. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held numerous musical, teaching, and leadership positions in which she positively influenced many lives.

Marilyn was blessed with multiple talents: a beautiful singing voice which she shared often and annually, along with her Mother, in Draper's "Messiah" performance, a love of the piano and guitar, a grace and elegance she shared in her dancing, and she was an exceptional seamstress. She was an acute observer of beauty and detail and treasured the unnoticed splendor around her, which she shared with others. Among her passions were family history and Draper historic preservation - her efforts in these areas will benefit generations to come. Her love of nature and her desire to make things beautiful led her to earn her Master Gardener certificate from Utah State University.

Marilyn met the challenges in her life with unfailing courage and faith. She recognized the blessings in her life with joy and gratitude. She would often say, "I may not have been given everything in life, but I have been given the best things."

Marilyn is survived by her four children and their spouses: Jeremy Kent Shoemaker, Pamilla Ann Neville (Steven), Maren Marie Chandler (Dirk), Julie Jean Walker (Matthew); her seven grandchildren: Ethan, Savannah, Ivy, Bowen, Vera, Poppy, and Willa; her brothers: Harold B. "Burk" Smith (Tammie), Neil B. Smith (Claudia), Alan J. "AJ" Smith (Leah), and many close extended family members.

A celebration of Marilyn's life will be held on Friday, December 22 at 11:00 at the Draper 12th Ward Chapel at 12353 S. 600 E., Draper. Family and friends may call Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 S. 700 E., Draper, and from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the services on Friday. Interment will follow at the Draper City Cemetery.