Marvelyn Joy Deatherage

Marvelyn Joy Deatherage, of Abilene, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020 in Abilene, TX. Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Elmcrest Baptist Church – 517 N. Pioneer – with Jim Ritter of Hamby Baptist Church, officiating and Burtis Williams assisting. Burial will follow at Round Mound Cemetery in Hamby, Texas. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Due to COVID-19, the family requests no hugs or handshakes; rather, a “fist-bump” will be just as special and heartwarming. Also, please respectfully observe social distancing guidelines and the use of a face mask. Marvelyn Joy Deatherage entered the gates of heaven with her family by her side. She was born October 14, 1937 to parents J.D. and Etta Lee Gibson. She attended and graduated from Colorado City High School in 1955. She then moved to Abilene to attend nursing school at Hendrick Memorial Medical Center graduating the diploma program as a Registered Nurse in 1959. She worked in nursing for over 25 years at Hendrick Hospital and additional years for Dr. Donald H. McDonald's pediatric practice. Her nursing passion was always taking care of babies. After retiring in 1999, she volunteered countless hours in the Hendrick baby nursery. She was a member of Elmcrest Baptist Church for 55 years involved in Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, Mom Life, Church Librarian for many years, and many other ministries. She volunteered reading with students at Johnston Elementary. She was an avid fan of the Professional Bull Riders Association and attended over 12 National Final events in Las Vegas. With a love of travel, she visited 49 states, 12 foreign countries, and multiple RV coach tours across the US. She enjoyed visiting and seeing God's creation across the country. She was a passionate reader of history with a special interest in the Amish people, visiting many historical sites to learn more of their way of life including the colonies in Ohio. She married Ken Deatherage on August 1, 1959 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Ken, their children/grandchildren and brother: Rhogenia, Shane, Kyle, Seth, Heidi, and Iyana; Rhalynda, Cathy, Jason, and Kollin; Blake and Luke; and brother John Lyndall Gibson and wife Betty. Memorials may be given to Elmcrest Baptist Church.