Marion J Estill

“Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.” -CS Lewis Marion Jo Estill, 76, of Elberta, Alabama passed peacefully on June 16th, 2025 but was born December 15th, 1948 in Glendale, California to her proud parents, Marion Waugh Estill and Emma Ruth Estill (Ketchum). She is preceded in death by both but eagerly awaited the opportunity to reunite with her adoring parents and rest in the arms of the Lord. Marion is survived by her faithful and loving children, Sarah Ruth Paisley (James), Thomas Warren Cory and Ann Estill Stewart (Charles Blaine). She was also deeply loved by her grandchildren, Cory Burton, Thomis Burton, Michael Gonzalez, Hillary Reid and Jake Gonzales. We always thought that she was an amazing mom until we saw how extraordinary of a Mimi she was. She was a blessing and is loved beyond any words that can ever be expressed. Marion “Jody” was a wonderful mother, grandmother and a definitely a friend. She could and would start conversations with anyone and make friends everywhere she went. She was never short on words of wisdom or encouragement. Jody was passionate about helping people but her true passion was helping animals in need. Jody personally rescued animals her entire life and advocated for them until the end. We will continue that legacy in her honor. Marion lived in southern California until the early 80’s when she & family moved to Wisconsin. She wanted to raise her children in a more conservative setting with a small town feel, open fields to play and lots of animals. They did just that and have wonderful memories of love, laughter and lots of lessons about the hard work that it takes to maintain a farm. We had short summers spent camping, long winters full of snow shoveling shenanigans and learned the values of family, hard work, and joy in the simple things. Once, Jody had enough of the cold temperatures, she decided to head south, and thoroughly enjoyed living along the Gulf Coast since 1990. She always loved to travel and did so, literally from coast to coast. Marion “Jody” was a lifelong Christian who took her faith very serious but she could also appreciate the essence of loving nature, its restorative power and connection to the human spirit. We contribute those added elements to her American Indian heritage and undying pride in her Cherokee roots. She knew the importance of oral history and never missed an opportunity to tell stories of her family and the contributions that they had made through the years. We shall continue to tell those stories. The loss of her is simply immeasurable and the sorrow is deeper that our hearts have known. The inurnment will be at a later date and celebration of life will be announced at a later time. Donations can be made to the Baldwin County Animal Shelter or local pet rescue of your choice.

Marion J Estill

June 16, 2025

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Marion J Estill

June 16, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification