Marilyn B Workman's Obituary
Marilyn B. Workman
Marilyn Workman, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on August 6, 2019. Marilyn was born August 26, 1941, in Ogden, Utah, to James Alma Briggs, Jr., and Ila Emily Morrell Briggs. She graduated from Ogden High in 1959. She spent her early high school years in California at Hawthorne High where she and her cousins were seminary students and the only members of the LDS church. From the time of her first date with Jimmy D. Workman at the Ballard Stomp, they were committed to a life together. They were married on May 2, 1969 and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on March 7, 1975. They enjoyed a full and joyous marriage and just celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Family was the most important thing in Marilyn’s life. She and Jimmy D. lived in Woods Cross and raised their seven children, Michael, Todd, Cohl, Kari, Lee, Lindsay and Meridith. She dedicated her life to raising her family and was selfless in the pursuits of their happiness. Her joy of family was furthered through her participation in the lives of her 23 grand-children and now 13 great-grandchildren. Marilyn came from a large family herself. She had six siblings, Jimmie, Berniece, Bobby, Leonard, Dawn and Roger. She enjoyed the numerous family reunions with her and Jimmy’s extended family. All told, there were greater than 91 of them. As if that wasn’t enough family, Marilyn found time to become the unofficial “adopted” grand-mother of children in the neighborhood that weren’t fortunate enough to have one. Even throughout her illness, she strived to be surrounded by family and Sundays were reserved for family get togethers.
Marilyn loved giving of herself to others. She was the first to plan events and parties for friends and the church and would perfect the celebrations to the last detail. She would make events out of “visiting” friends and relatives. She would make whomever we were visiting feel like the most important person on earth, especially for that day.
Marilyn was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She was always willing to serve in the Church to the greatest of her abilities. She held many callings, from serving as a Primary Teacher, Primary Presidency, Den Leader, Beehive Advisor, Ward Activities Chairman, Compassionate Service Leader, Visiting Teacher, Relief Society Counselor, Relief Society President, and Stake Relief Society Presidency. But, she especially enjoyed her latest calling serving as Primary Activity Day Leader to the young girls of the Woods Cross Sixth Ward for over 14 years.
Marilyn raised some very special children who she dearly loved and was so proud of. Marilyn loved her special daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her family was her life. May we all follow her example to be an eternal family. There is a huge hole in our hearts, but it will be filled by our love and memories of having the best, our beautiful Marilyn. She emulated the true love of Christ in her life and through her good works. She loved serving others and being an example of kindness. She has been the perfect example in every way.
Marilyn is survived by Jimmy, her husband, best friend and soul mate; son, Michael B. Openshaw (Rebecca - Tyler and Lacey); son, Todd Openshaw (children - Kassie, Zane and Macon); son, Cohl Workman (Lisa - Jamie, Sarah, Katelyn, Lee and Jamie) daughter, Kari Fair (B.J. - Tosh, Austin and McKeon); son, Leland Workman (Michelle - Madeline, Alexis, Ethan and Isaac); son, Lindsay Workman (Mandi - Faith, Owen and Lea); daughter, Meridith Bott (Jason - Lukas, Lincoln and Lawson); sister, Berniece; brother, Leonard; sister, Dawn; and brother, Roger. Preceded in death by her father James Alma Briggs, Jr.; mother, Ila Emily Morrell Briggs; brother, Jimmie, and brother, Bobby. We wish to extend our deep love and appreciation to Dr. Wayne Ormsby and the whole wonderful staff at Utah Cancer Specialists. Our thanks to Julie and Alexis and those from Quality Home Health and Hospice for making the past few weeks as comfortable as possible. Thank you to the Woods Cross 6th Ward and all of our friends where we have been greatly blessed for many years.
Funeral services will be 12:00 Noon, Friday, August 9, 2019 at the Woods Cross 6th Ward, 790 West 1500 South, Woods Cross, Utah with a viewing prior to services from 9:00 to 11:30 am. Interment in the Bountiful City Cemetery.
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