Marilyn Canter Downard

  Marilyn Canter Downard, age 91, of Jackson, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Jackson Care Center in Jackson. She was born August 25, 1934 in Oak Hill, Ohio, the daughter of the late Cecil Adkins and Clara Margaret Radabaugh Adkins. Throughout her adult life, Marilyn was a homemaker and a member of Buckeye Community Church. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in her youth, and she raised all of her children in church. Marilyn enjoyed singing in the church choir, and later in life she learned to play the harpsichord for the church. She also enjoyed making crafts, working on jigsaw puzzles and camping with family and friends. Marilyn loved and cared for her family. She was at the bedside, and often stayed round the clock, with her older siblings as they were on their journey home. Marilyn loved to make jokes and laugh. She started a family tradition of telling her children’s fiancés that they could have their own napkin when they came for dinner – UNTIL – they got married, then they had to share one with their spouse. She is survived by her children, Kathryn Klontz, Freda Curfman, John “Wilbur” Canter, Linda Vaughn, Doug Canter, Lisa Adams and Denis Canter; siblings, Thelma Evans, Wyoma Hatfield, Rita Myers, and Foster Adkins, along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her first husband of 50 years, John Canter; second husband, Ronald Downard; infant son, William Edward Canter, son Bryan Keith Canter, step-son, Tim Cantrell, granddaughter Holly McCormick, and siblings, Oscar Adkins, Vencil Adkins, Ellen Reese, Chester Adkins, Zelma Clarkson, Viola Chesser and Louise Simpson. Calling hours will be Tuesday, August 18, from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. at Hickory Grove Church in Oak Hill. Funeral service will follow the calling hours at 1 p.m. with Pastor John Reese officiating. Burial will be in the Hickory Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.