Marilyn Schallern's Obituary
Marilyn McElveen Schallern, 81, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on July 3, 2025.
Born on May 2, 1945, in Suwannee County, Marilyn was the second of four children of Henry and Mildred McElveen. It’s rumored she was responsible for most of her father’s gray hairs — and proud of it.
Marilyn attended Suwannee High School and later studied criminal justice and liberal arts at Lake City Community College. These studies served her well in her career as a correctional officer and correctional counselor with the Florida Department of Corrections. (We suspect her poetry classes helped diffuse more than a few not-so-calm situations along the way.)
Of all the things Marilyn was known and loved for, her joy in spending time with friends was at the top. Shoutout to the DU Group, special friends from Michael’s UF days, and all the fun they had when they sparkled together.
If you knew Marilyn, you knew she was passionate about many things. Among her favorites: Christmas (which she celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm), Fleetwood Mac (the louder, the better), and loons (yes, loons! A lifelong love that began during one of the many RV camping trips she and Michael loved so much).
Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Henry McElveen; her mother, Mildred McElveen; and her brother, Jimmy Ray McElveen. She is survived by her husband, Michael Schallern; her son, Robby Brim; her daughter, Wendy Staton; son-in-law, Kelsey Staton; granddaughter, Michaela Staton; brother, Pat McElveen, and sister-in-law, Jan McElveen; sister, Annette Griffin; nieces and nephews, Cris Gealy, Pamela Reynolds, Ryan McElveen, Brent McElveen, Nick McElveen, Heather Griffin, J.P. Griffin; and their families.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at The Village of Gainesville, 8000 NW 27th Blvd, Gainesville, Florida.
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