Almeda "Marlene" (Smith) Gorman

May 13, 1941 - December 21, 2019

Almeda "Marlene" (Smith) Gorman was born on May 13, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri to Joyce Smith, later adopted by Elvin and Lois (Kunkel) Smith, and passed away December 21, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Salem, Missouri at the age of seventy-eight years. Marlene grew up in the Jadwin area and graduated with the Class of 1959 from Salem High School. She was united in marriage on October 21, 1995 to Elvie Gorman in Salem, Missouri. Together they shared twenty-four beautiful years of marriage and were blessed to share four children: Rhonda, LeAnn, Alan, and Brian. As a child, she was by her parents side on their farm, in their garden and going to church. She was a hardworking parent and took great pride in raising her children and caring for her family. Marlene worked all her adult life mostly as a secretary at various businesses and locations. Upon returning to Salem, she was honored to work for MFA and enjoyed the relationships she built with her customers before retiring from there after 20 years. Marlene was a long-time member of Dry Fork Baptist Church. She was blessed to serve as the church secretary for several years and enjoyed her time as the church pianist for many years. Marlene and Elvie enjoyed time spent camping as it gave them the opportunity to travel the country. Once experiencing the highlight of retirement, Marlene and Elvie wintered in Texas. Beyond the traveling and camping, Marlene also enjoyed her time spent reading, antiquing, going to auctions and hand quilting. She was known as the family historian. Marlene's love for her family was the biggest and most memorable part of her. She loved her family and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. Marlene is survived by her loving husband: Elvie Gorman of the home; children: Rhonda (Inman) Maricle and husband Wayne of Gravois Mills, MO, LeAnn (Inman) Shults and husband Rick of Salem, MO, and Alan Gorman and wife Christine of Nixa, MO; siblings: Barbara (Nickels) Wilson, Connie (Nickels) Simmons, Jayma Nickels; sisters-in-law: June (Hasten) Smith and Mabel (Wickam) Smith; brother-in-law: Bill Bahr; grandchildren: Jennifer Maricle, Jeff Maricle, Jamie (Maricle) Davitt, Travis Maricle, Aaron Gorman and fiancé Michaelia Robinson, Rachel Shults and special friend C.J. Smith, Caitlin Taggart, Malachi Gorman, Cameron Patterson, Grace Patterson, and A.J. Gorman; great-grandchildren: Tommy Davitt, Catie Davitt, Matthew Davitt, Zaron Gorman, Amaree Robinson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Preceding her in death, were her parents: Elvin and Lois Smith; mother: Joyce (Smith) Nickels Lyle; siblings: Earl Dean Smith, David Smith, Charlie Nickels, and Anna Lytia (Nickels) Bahr; and son: Brian Gorman. Marlene enjoyed socializing with people and never met a stranger. She was a good friend who made you laugh and feel loved. Marlene will forever be in the hearts and memories of her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. Funeral Services for Almeda "Marlene" Gorman were held Thursday, December 26, 2019 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Joe Hubbs and Chaplain Mike Bell officiating. Special music was provided by Cathy Brown and Melinda Medlock. Serving as Pallbearers were Michael Smith, Bryan Smith, Tony Gorman, Tracy Gorman, Malachi Gorman, and Travis Maricle. Honorary Pallbearers were Scott Land, C.J. Smith, and Randy Gorman. Burial was in the Green Forest Cemetery. All arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary.