Marlyn Lea Whitfield

New Springfield-Marlyn Lea Whitfield, 77, passed away early Sunday morning at her home.

Mrs. Whitfield was born October 4, 1938 in Colerain, OH a daughter of the late Cecil and Druzilla Irene Gray Miller and had lived in the area most of her life.

Marlyn worked as a phone operator for Sears and also clerk for Kids R Us in Boardman for several years. She was a member of New Springfield Church of God. Marlyn was a member of the former Columbiana Chapter #428 Order of Eastern Star and currently the East Palestine Chapter #381 Order of Eastern Star. She was also a member of White Shrine of Jerusalem Ruth #64.

Her first husband, Robert Gillespie died December 15, 1976.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas M. Whitfield, Sr., whom she married December 30, 1977; two sons, Perry (Valerie) Gillespie of Winfield, IL, David (Lori) Gillespie of Van Wert; a daughter, Tamara L. (Howard) Cusick of Petersburg; step-son, Kevin Whitfield of Struthers; two step-daughters, Sheryl A. Lyda of New Springfield and Kimberly K. (John) Chance of Cold Springs, MN; a sister, Pat (E.J.) Wagster of Sumter, SC; a brother, Jack (Barb) Miller of Brewster; eighteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by two step-sons, Thomas Whitfield, Jr. and Dwayne Whitfield, a sister, Margie Townsend and a brother, Dale Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the New Springfield Church of God with Pastor Jonathan Holloway officiating. Burial will be in Springfield Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 pm Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church. An Eastern Star service will be held at 5:00 pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

Material tributes in memory of Marlyn may be made to Senior Independence Hospice.