Marjorie Nell Livingston

Marjorie Nell Livingston (nee Whitfield), 90, of Florissant, MO passed away peacefully on Monday, June 19, 2017. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Birdie (nee Weaver) Whitfield; her husband, Frank B. Livingston; and four sisters, Mary Emma (Roscoe) Gibson, Dorothy (Ben) Wilhoyte, Elizabeth “Betty” (Robert) Burns, and Frances (Cecil) Evans. Marjorie is survived by her children, Daniel B. (Pam) Livingston and Ann C. (Gene) Thoebes; grandchildren, Matthew Livingston, Danielle Livingston, Bryan Livingston, Stefanie Thoebes, and Seth (Gina) Thoebes; great grandchildren, Cora and Sam Hendrickson and Jackson Thoebes; and her brother, James “Jim” (Peggy) Whitfield.

Marjorie was born on June 27, 1926 on a farm in Southwest Missouri near the town of Oronogo, the youngest of six children. Life was challenging on a farm in the 20’s and 30’s. Marjorie milked cows, baled hay, worked in the family garden, sewed, quilted, cleaned, cooked, baked, canned and excelled in school. She lived through the Great Depression and World War II and the lessons of those events combined with her love of family and her Christian faith shaped her character and strengthened her throughout her life.

Marjorie moved from the farm to California, MO for her senior year of high school, living with her oldest sister, Mary Emma Gibson. She continued her education at a local Junior College and transferred to the University of Missouri in 1946 where she met her future husband, Frank B. Livingston. Marjorie received a B.S. degree in Education (Physical Education) in 1948 and married Frank on July 10, 1948.

During the 53 years of her marriage, Marjorie taught P.E. in both the Hannibal and the Ferguson-Florissant School Districts, retiring from teaching in 1982. She raised two children and welcomed grandchildren. Marjorie enjoyed the outdoors, sports, crafts, sewing, knitting and all forms of needlework. She traveled extensively with Frank throughout the United States (only missing Hawaii) and Canada. Their many modes of travel included automobile, RV, Airstream trailer and motorcycle. She also visited Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.

In her later years, Marjorie continued to enjoy her independence. She knit hundreds of yarn stocking hats to contribute to various charities. She enjoyed exercise, her daily walks and time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. She was a faithful member of Florissant Presbyterian Church and a familiar sight in the pews each Sunday.

Marjorie will be missed by all who knew her (family, church family members, former students and acquaintances) for her strength, her calm, her many gifts and talents and the love she shared through deeds and words.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at Florissant Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Florissant Presbyterian Church and expressions of condolence may be offered at www.alexanderstlouis.com.