Marilyn Scribner was born on June 9, 1930, in Bellingham (WA) to Lula and Edwin Scribner. She received her theology degree from Multnomah School of the Bible before getting her BS and MS in Physical Education from Western Washington University. After teaching at Burlington-Edison High School from 1956 to 1961, she left her beloved Pacific Northwest and moved to the Midwest, where she began her career at Wheaton College.

Marilyn taught there for fifty years, pioneering Wheaton's volleyball and softball programs, coaching basketball and field hockey, and teaching self-defense. For that class, which she taught for more than forty years, she wrote Free to Fight Back, a book that reflected the motto so many of her students still quote: "I am a child of the King and I will not be a victim."

Marilyn was best known for her witty "zingers," her commitment to family and friends, and her abiding love for her students and athletes. Teaching was truly her calling and her joy, and the devotions she led before every class remain legendary among those who were fortunate enough to call her "Scrib." Marilyn was an avid hobbyist whose passions included genealogy, antiquing, collecting Pepsi memorabilia, and refinishing furniture, especially hundred-year-old schoolhouse clocks.

Most of all, Marilyn loved Jesus. From the moment she was saved in her teens, He became the guiding beacon of her life, the meaning of her existence and the subject of conversations with anyone she met. Lyrics from her favorite hymn describe the faith that was such a source of wisdom and strength to Marilyn, even during her final days: He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labors increase; to added afflictions He addeth His mercy, to multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

Marilyn is predeceased by her parents, Edwin Ray Scribner and Lula Margaret Meyers, as well as her sister, Lanice Lee Erickson and nephew Edwin Scott Erickson.

She is survived by her nieces Patti (Erickson) Herlugson and Melinda (Erickson) Barnett, as well as cousins, Yvonne Fenton, Ron Fenton, Marsha Fisher, Sandra Massey and Wanda Moore, all of whom reside in Washington State. Also surviving is her dear and devoted friend, Marcia Hurt, who walked alongside Marilyn for 43 years.

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Our heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful caregivers at VITAS Hospice Services and the team of medical professionals who accompanied Marilyn with kindness, compassion and skill.

Marilyn's memorial service will be held at Wellspring Alliance Church (Wheaton, IL) at 1pm on January 8, 2022. Masks will be required. For those of you unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be available by following this link: https://youtu.be/sHBYW3HFm6s

Memorial gifts can be made to the Wheaton College Volleyball team electronically at www.wheaton.edu/giving
Please click on the link above, then click on "Make a gift", select "Volleyball" and in the gift comment area, please note that the donation is "In Memory of Marilyn Scribner".