Marilyn Schaper

Belden--Marilyn Schaper, age 89, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, January 2, 2023 at her home in Belden. She was born in Assumption, Illinois to Wayne and Evelyn Brackett. Marilyn moved with her family to Tupelo in 1968. She owned and then sold an employment agency in Tupelo. Marilyn loved watching all sports, but her love was for the game of golf. In her earlier years, if the weather cooperated she was on the golf course. She made many long lasting friendships there. She actually made two holes in one on hole #8 at the Tupelo Country Club! Even after she laid down her golf clubs for the last time, she always had a golf tournament playing on TV or was watching her Mississippi State Bulldogs or her St. Louis Cardinals.
Marilyn loved to travel. She visited many interesting and beautiful places. She was always up for the next adventure. An avid reader, Marilyn was a founding member of the St. Luke Book Club. Very seldom did she not have a book in her hands. She also loved her weekly bridge games. Her social calendar was always full.
Marilyn was a very active and dedicated member of St. Luke United Methodist Church. She was devoted to her Exodus Sunday School Class.
During her time in Tupelo, She loved to volunteer. Whether for the Girl Scouts and the Tupelo Aquatic Club when her girls were younger, or the Salvation Army, Good Samaritan Clinic, reading to students at Joyner School, and Meals on Wheels, Marilyn could always be found lending a hand.
Marilyn leaves behind three daughters, Kim Estess (Joe) of Tupelo, Linda Schaper (Dave) of Marshville, North Carolina, and Sherry Meharry (Tim) of Fort Myers, Florida; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind an abundance of friends who will miss her dearly, as well as her most cherished love of all and faithful companion, her dog Sadie.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Kathy Vandevander.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 5, 2023 at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time Thursday at the church. Pegues Funeral Directors has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Marilyn’s honor to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1400 Clayton Ave., Tupelo MS 38804; or the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, 2795 Cliff Gookin Blvd, Tupelo MS 38801.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .