Marjo Casey Rankin Gwinn
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Visitation Schedule
First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center
202 N. Market St.
Benton, AR  72015
Thursday, March 29, 2018
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Service Schedule
Memorial
First United Methodist Church
200 North Market
Benton, AR  72015
Friday, March 30, 2018
11:00 a.m.
Cemetery
Pinecrest Memorial Park
7401 Hwy 5 N.
Alexander, AR  72002
Memorial Contributions
First United Methodist Church of Benton Music Ministry
200 N Market
Benton, AR  72015
Marjo Casey Rankin Gwinn

of Benton, AR

September 25, 1934 - March 27, 2018

Marjo Casey Rankin Gwinn, age 83, of Benton passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on March 27, 2018. She was born in Cairo, Illinois to William and Madeline Casey September 25, 1934.

Her family moved to Benton in the early 1940's settling in Pine Haven. Her father was employed in the newly opened Reynolds Aluminum Company operation. In 1948 the family moved to Benton and she has been a Benton resident ever since. During her high school years she was employed by Walton's Gifts and Stationary in downtown Benton. Upon graduation from Benton High School she became an employee of Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company (Centerpoint). While working there she was introduced by Jaybird Nutt to a newcomer in town, Roxie Rankin. In May 1953 she and Roxie were married in the First Methodist Church in Benton and enjoyed 30 years together until Roxie's death in 1987. Marjo worked a short time for Alcoa, but chose to stay home to raise their two children, Casey and Roxanne.
When the children entered school a new business opportunity opened in town, Benton Savings and Loan. Marjo was employed there in 1969 as a teller. She quickly moved through the ranks to the loan department, then as secretary to the President, Bob Gregory, and then office manager. In 1986 she was named Executive Vice President. In 1987 she was named President of Benton Savings and Loan, becoming one of only two women in Arkansas holding the position of President of a savings and loan institution. Marjo's attention to detail, her unending care for the welfare of others, concern for each customer, and her all-around good business sense contributed to the success of the Benton Savings and Loan which became known by her customers as ''the best little loan company in Arkansas.'' Marjo retired from Benton Savings and Loan in 1994. She made history, truly working her way up through the ranks from Teller to President.
By the time of her retirement she had met the ''second love of her life'', Burlen Gwinn. They were married in 1994 and enjoyed fourteen years of marriage until his death in 2008.

A member of Benton First United Methodist Church for 70 years, she was a member of the Wesley Sunday School class, a volunteer office worker, a member of the Grieving and Care Committee, the ''shut-in'' Visitation team and through the years served on numerous boards and committees in the church family. She was also a member of the Talisman Club and P.E.O. Chapter DM. One of her favorite hobbies was working in her yard, or as she called it ''digging in the dirt''. She was also an accomplished bridge player. Dear to the heart of most everyone who knew her was her gift of homemade bread. Her other baking talents included rolls, pies, and cakes. The rolls were standard fare for all of the family gatherings, of which there were many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her 1st husband, Roxie Rankin, and her 2nd husband, Burlen Gwinn.

Marjo is survived by her children, Casey Rankin (Sue Ellen) of Benton and Roxanne Rankin Braithwaite (Chris) of Little Rock; two granddaughters, Lara Davis (James) of Conway, Brooke Moseley (Andrew) of Benton, and one grandson, Chris Lance (Leslie) of Benton; a great granddaughter, Lily Davis, and one great grandson, Hank Moseley. She is also survived by her brother, Norman Casey (Elaine) of Hot Springs, sisters, Faye Crumpler of Hot Springs Village and Carol Ramsey of Fayetteville. Other special family members who will miss her are Jiggs Ramsey, Steve Rankin, her numerous nieces and nephews, and the daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of Burlen Gwinn. In addition to her family, she will be missed by numerous special friends and their families.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Latasha Jenkins and Kayla Hargrove at Saline Memorial Hospice.

Visitation will be Thursday evening March 29, from 6 to 8 pm in the Christian Life Center of the Benton First United Methodist Church.

A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 o'clock Friday morning March 30 at Benton First United Methodist Church. Officiating ministers are Rev. Ben Crismon, Rev. Zeke Allen, and Rev. John Dill. Private burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry of Benton First United Methodist Church, 202 N. Market St, Benton, AR 72015.


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12 Condolence(s)
Dennis Edwards
Benton, AR
Liked
Friday, March 30, 2018

Casey and Roxanne,
I am really sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom.

I have many really good memories of her and of you two, way back during the old Benton Savings & Loan days!

She was a very special person, whom I had much respect. I will miss her too.

Dennis

L Gray
severn, MD
Liked
Friday, March 30, 2018

My condolences to the family at this very difficult time. May you find comfort in God's word the Bible at Revelation 21:3,4.

Brent Davis
Benton, AR
Liked
Friday, March 30, 2018

Casey and Roxanne, I am very sorry for your loss. I remember your mother from back in the days when Casey and I played baseball on the same team. May God grant you peace and comfort in your time of grief.

Beverly Burton Griffin
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, March 30, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in all the wonderful memories you have of Marjo.

Barbara Burton Richardson
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 29, 2018

Carol and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

DW
Cordova, TN
Liked
Thursday, March 29, 2018

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at John 5:25, 28,29
Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live.
"Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice, and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment".

JimmieLea Duncan
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 29, 2018

Marjo was a wonderful lady, always a lady.
Always friendly and kind. You were better for knowing Marjo.

Randy White
Washington, DC
Liked
Thursday, March 29, 2018

Not a finer woman could be found than Marjo!!

She was not only a pioneer for women, but a leader in her church. And, she made the best "milk gravy" anyone has ever tasted. She was one of my parents' very best friends and over the many years our families shared so many events--those will never be forgotten.

I, also, thank her for being so wonderful to my mother, after the loss of my father. I don't think my mother could have managed without her,

My sympathy goes out to not just her family, but anyone who knew her. A true loss!!

Carol Stonesifer Rolf
Conway, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 28, 2018

So sorry for your loss, Casey and Roxanne. She was a special lady.
With Love and Sympathy,
Robert and Carol Lee (Stonesifer) Rolf

Kent Williams
Sheridan, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Casey and Roxanne my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Carol Friend
Benton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Casey, So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Carol Friend

jeannie martin
Benton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 28, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Ms. Gwinn will be missed. she was a very sweet lady.