Obituary for Marilyn Jean Burel
Her journey...
Life for Mrs. Marilyn Jean Peppers Burel began on February 24, 1944. With her twin sister, Carolyn, she was born in New York City, NY to Wilford and Mildred Simpson (Harris) Peppers. She entered into eternal rest on January 1, 2020.
At the age of five, she and her family moved to her Mother's hometown of Toledo, OH. There, she attended Roosevelt Elementary, Robinson Junior High and graduated as a member of the Class of 1962 from Jesup W. Scott High School. "Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!"
Marilyn continued her studies as an Education Major at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH. After her time at BGSU, she gained employment with Ohio Bell in Fremont, OH. Later, she began a twenty-five year tenure with First Energy (formerly Toledo Edison), retiring in 1993. After her initial retirement, she returned to the workforce in administration roles with Toledo Engineering and then St. James Holiness COGIC – "The Armory".
Marilyn was united in marriage to Ronald E. Burel on April 3, 1965. From this union three children were born: Saundra, David and R. Anthony. Marilyn dearly loved her family and enjoyed pampering them with her infectious sense of humor, amazing cooking and joyful personality. Interestingly, doing the family's laundry was therapeutic to her. In addition, she thoroughly enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays as she spent them traveling with family.
Marilyn received Christ at an early age. Her faith walk of more than 65 years was manifest in her serving in various ministry roles at the churches she attended throughout her lifetime; Greater St. James COGIC, St. James Holiness COGIC, Abundant Life Ministries, and Perfecting Church Toledo (PCT). At the time of her passing, under the leadership of Bishop-Elect Marvin L. Winans, she served as a member of the Mother's Board at PCT.
Marilyn was an avid lover of Gospel music and enjoyed ministering through songs. Consequently, she served as a member of the Adult Choir at St. James Holiness COGIC, where she cherished the inspirational leadership of her spiritual Father, the late Bishop William M. James. In addition, she joined the Toledo Interfaith Choir, under the direction of the late Dr. Derrick Roberts. She also enjoyed the weekly fellowship with the ladies of the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).
Despite many health issues, Marilyn fought the good fight of faith. Twice, she was healed from Lymphoma cancer. During her cancer treatments as well as throughout her life, she witnessed to and encouraged many.
Known to many as "Mom Burel," Marilyn was warmly affectionate and unselfishly shared her loving heart.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of fifty-four years, Ronald; daughter, Saundra (Ronald) Smith, (Newport News, VA); sons, David (Alpharetta, GA) and R. Anthony (Los Angeles, CA); sister, Carolyn (James) Clemons (Grand Blanc, MI), niece Carmen Clemons (Columbus, OH); sisters in-love, Cynthia & Constance Burel (Greensboro, NC); Sharon (Glenn) Aaron (Columbus, OH); brothers in-love, CJ (Delores) Burel (Fremont, OH); and Tony (Frankie) Burel (Columbus, OH); beloved granddaughter, Brooklyn Burel, honorary "grandchildren" Ariel Richardson, and Aliya Flowers, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, spiritual children and friends.
Life for Mrs. Marilyn Jean Peppers Burel began on February 24, 1944. With her twin sister, Carolyn, she was born in New York City, NY to Wilford and Mildred Simpson (Harris) Peppers. She entered into eternal rest on January 1, 2020.
At the age of five, she and her family moved to her Mother's hometown of Toledo, OH. There, she attended Roosevelt Elementary, Robinson Junior High and graduated as a member of the Class of 1962 from Jesup W. Scott High School. "Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!"
Marilyn continued her studies as an Education Major at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH. After her time at BGSU, she gained employment with Ohio Bell in Fremont, OH. Later, she began a twenty-five year tenure with First Energy (formerly Toledo Edison), retiring in 1993. After her initial retirement, she returned to the workforce in administration roles with Toledo Engineering and then St. James Holiness COGIC – "The Armory".
Marilyn was united in marriage to Ronald E. Burel on April 3, 1965. From this union three children were born: Saundra, David and R. Anthony. Marilyn dearly loved her family and enjoyed pampering them with her infectious sense of humor, amazing cooking and joyful personality. Interestingly, doing the family's laundry was therapeutic to her. In addition, she thoroughly enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays as she spent them traveling with family.
Marilyn received Christ at an early age. Her faith walk of more than 65 years was manifest in her serving in various ministry roles at the churches she attended throughout her lifetime; Greater St. James COGIC, St. James Holiness COGIC, Abundant Life Ministries, and Perfecting Church Toledo (PCT). At the time of her passing, under the leadership of Bishop-Elect Marvin L. Winans, she served as a member of the Mother's Board at PCT.
Marilyn was an avid lover of Gospel music and enjoyed ministering through songs. Consequently, she served as a member of the Adult Choir at St. James Holiness COGIC, where she cherished the inspirational leadership of her spiritual Father, the late Bishop William M. James. In addition, she joined the Toledo Interfaith Choir, under the direction of the late Dr. Derrick Roberts. She also enjoyed the weekly fellowship with the ladies of the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).
Despite many health issues, Marilyn fought the good fight of faith. Twice, she was healed from Lymphoma cancer. During her cancer treatments as well as throughout her life, she witnessed to and encouraged many.
Known to many as "Mom Burel," Marilyn was warmly affectionate and unselfishly shared her loving heart.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of fifty-four years, Ronald; daughter, Saundra (Ronald) Smith, (Newport News, VA); sons, David (Alpharetta, GA) and R. Anthony (Los Angeles, CA); sister, Carolyn (James) Clemons (Grand Blanc, MI), niece Carmen Clemons (Columbus, OH); sisters in-love, Cynthia & Constance Burel (Greensboro, NC); Sharon (Glenn) Aaron (Columbus, OH); brothers in-love, CJ (Delores) Burel (Fremont, OH); and Tony (Frankie) Burel (Columbus, OH); beloved granddaughter, Brooklyn Burel, honorary "grandchildren" Ariel Richardson, and Aliya Flowers, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, spiritual children and friends.