Marlene Wiker

Marlene Wiker, age 81, of Athens, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

 She was born on August 7, 1942 in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Russell and Marjorie (Jones) DeYoung.

 Marlene married James Wiker on November 5, 1960 in Springfield.

 Mourning her passing are her children, Jim (TJ) Wiker, Mona (Tom) Aiello, and Jeff (Violet) Wiker; two granddaughters, Emma and Ellen Wiker; and two sister in-laws, Bettie (Herrell) Lewis and Mary Wiker.

 She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim; and sister in-law, Bonnie Wiker.

 Marlene graduated from Springfield High School in 1960.

 She worked as a Colorist at Dean and Marlene Studio, a secretary at Henderson Ford in Springfield, and at Horace Mann. 

 Marlene served for the Athens School Board for several years.

 She was an active member of the New Life Baptist Church in Athens since 1975.  She served as the secretary and organist for the church for many years.

 Marlene liked to cook and paint. She enjoyed working in the yard, including mowing and gardening.

 Her hobbies included crafting, sewing, and singing. Marlene loved her dogs and birds.

 Her joy was her family, especially her children and grandchildren. 

 Visitation for Marlene will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM until time of funeral services at 12:00 Noon at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens.  Rev. Shane Baker will be officiating.

 Burial will be held at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens.

 Memorial contributions can be made to the New Life Baptist Church in Athens. 

 Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family.