Marjorie Ernestine Joerger

Marjorie Ernestine Joerger, age 96, of Monterey, TN, passed away at Cumberland Medical Center on January 4, 2024. Mrs. Joerger was born on September 15, 1927, in Montgomery, Alabama, daughter of the late Ernest Williford and Agnes (Dowd) Williford. Marjorie’s captivating smile was a hallmark of her life. As a very young child she had the opportunity to recite poetry in front of the Governor of Alabama and members of the state legislator. As she grew, Marjorie participated in many church and school activities. She attended Montevallo College. When she was showing some of her classmates the sites of Montgomery, she met a young man from the Army Air Corp who was stationed at Maxwell Field who also was site seeing with his buddies. Marjorie and Donald were married on February 18, 1949. They were married for 67 years and were quite busy raising 7 children living in Alabama, Iowa, and Illinois. When her children were grown and out of the house, Marjorie decided to go back to school and received her degree in Library Science. She worked at the local library for a few years. When Marge and Don decided to retire to Florida in the late 1980’s, she did more than just go shelling, which was one of her passions. She also dove into research. She wrote two books on genealogy. Her first published book is in the Library of Congress. With the research conducted in her second book, she became an active member of the DAR, Daughters of the American Revolution. Marge and Don were very active at Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in South Fort Myers. Among other ministries, they were both very involved with the building of the current church as well as the Saint Vincent de Paul ministry, and the Knights of Columbus. In 2018, Marjorie moved to Tennessee and lived with her son Larry until her passing. Throughout her life, her love of family and her Savior was self-evident. Her smile could make everyone she met, a friend. She is survived by her children, Sue McIntyre (Tom), Beth Mears (Robin), Larry Joerger (D), Doug Joerger (Dona), Connie Rainey (Steve), Kevin Joerger (Amy), and Jan Cruz (John); 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; and brothers, John Williford (Dimple) and Bob Williford (Earline). In addition to her parents, Marjorie is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Joerger; and daughter, Sharon Joerger. A Mass of Resurrection Service will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Crossville, Tennessee on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 prior to the service. Service and internment will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 10:00 prior to the 11:00 service. Arrangements and Care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.