Marion Elizabeth “Maribeth” Jefferson, 97, of Carthage, passed away at the Southeast Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison.

Maribeth was born July 24, 1924, in Fountain Green, Illinois the daughter of William Marion and Hazel Ellen (Brooks) Rawson.  She graduated from Colchester High School and then went on to one year of business college at Gem City College in Quincy.  Maribeth was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Baptist Church in St. Mary, Illinois.  She was also active in R.S.V.P. and the American Red Cross and had served on the rationing board during WWII.  Maribeth was united in marriage to John “Irvin” Jefferson at the Argyle Church on June 16, 1944.   Irvin passed away in 1991 in Carthage.

Maribeth is survived by her children, William Thomas “Tom” (Mavis) Jefferson of Carthage, Alice Lee (Jim) Wildemann of Golden, Colorado, James Irvin “Jim” (Pam) Jefferson of Carthage, Robert Fay “Bob” (Jeanne) Jefferson of Carthage, Elizabeth Ann Miller of Dallas City, Joe Dean (Rita) Jefferson of Plymouth, Jane Ellen (Robert) Menn of Plymouth and John Hugh (Kris) Jefferson of Augusta; 22 Grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Irvin; one granddaughter, Melody Wainwright; a great granddaughter, Maya Griswold; a brother, William “Bill” Rawson who was a fighter pilot killed in action in WWII; and a sister, Clydelle Dixon.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 16th, 2022, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Wednesday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.  Memorials may be directed to H.U.G.S., Disabled Veterans of America or donor’s choice.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of the arrangements.