MaryLynn (Brian) Young

MaryLynn Young, 87, formerly of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 6th, 2020, at her home in Arlington, Texas surrounded by her loving family.

She was born March 25, 1933, in St. Francisville, Illinois, the oldest of John and Lucille (VanWey) Brian. Her father was the owner of Brian Lumber Company in St. Francisville, Bridgeport and Sumner. On January 18th, 1952, MaryLynn married (or eloped) with Joseph White Young of Lawrenceville, Illinois in Pocahontas, Arkansas after two flat tires getting there and waiting for the Justice of the Peace to watch his favorite TV show. Joe preceded her in death on June 19, 2019, after 67 years of marriage.

MaryLynn graduated from Bridgeport Township High School in 1951 and then attended Eastern Illinois University.

In 1962, Joe and MaryLynn moved to Mt. Carmel, Illinois and lived at 430 Cherry Street for 30 years. MaryLynn enjoyed opening her home to family and friends--and even more frequently due to Joe. MaryLynn was a devoted mother.  She was a room mother for each of her three children every year (who were four years apart) and attended every single football, basketball, baseball, track meet, volleyball, and softball game, awards ceremony, and recital of her children.

MaryLynn was a devoted member and past president of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Woman’s Club, Study Club and Reviewer’s Matinee. She loved these women dearly. In 1976, she served on the Bi Centennial Committee as parade co-coordinator and got Nancy Dussault, who was the first female co-anchor for Good Morning America, to be Grand Marshal. MaryLynn was a proud member of the Wabash College Foundation Board, a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Chairman of Wabash County Heart Association and a dedicated Girl Scout Leader for 10 years. During this time Joe, MaryLynn and two other leaders took twelve Girl Scouts to Williamsburg, Virginia where they shared their love of American history with the girls. MaryLynn and Joe loved antiquing and collectibles.  Their homes in Mt. Carmel, Midland, Texas, Bridgeport, Illinois and Arlington, Texas were full of these interesting pieces.  Her love of gardening showed in her flower beds.  MaryLynn and Joe also shared a love of animals and birds.  On Cherry Street you could have seen a dog and a cat, but you might have also seen a duck, monkey and/or a parrot.  Annie, her loving little Chihuahua mix was by her side the last 10 years protecting her to the very end. 

She loved living in Mt. Carmel with all her dear friends. She remained close with her sister, Claris Withrow, her brother, Fritz Brian, and her cousin, Ann Sidwell. Her most cherished times were with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, and niece, who called her Grandma Gus and Aunt Gus. MaryLynn cared deeply for others and her kindness showed. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.  Joe and MaryLynn lived in Arlington, Texas the last 10 years of their life to be closer to most of the family.

Left to cherish MaryLynn’s memory are her three children, J.B. Young and wife, Billie of Midland, Texas, Jeff Young of Arlington, Texas, and Ashley Young of Arlington, Texas; her grandchildren James Brandon Young and wife, Kendra of Olney, Illinois, Abby King and husband, Matt of Odessa, Texas, Taylor and husband, Jacob Albo of Midland, Texas, Amanda Jackson  and husband, Hilbert of Arlington, Texas and Shannon Young of Midland, Texas; her great grandchildren Jackson and Josalyn Young of Olney, Illinois, Nolan and Nora Jackson of Arlington, Texas and Kennedy King of Odessa, Texas; her sister, Claris Withrow and partner Carl Waggoner of Melbourne, Florida; brother, Fritz and wife Sarah Brian of Bridgeport, Illinois and brother- in- law, Arthur Schmidt of Austin, Texas.

MaryLynn was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-seven years Joe; her parents; John and Lucille Brian; and sister-in-law, Annabel Young Schmidt.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Joseph W. (January 27, 1932-June 19, 2019) and MaryLynn (March 25, 1933-May 6, 2020) Young on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 12:00 noon in the chapel of Short Funeral Home (527 N. Mulberry, Mt. Carmel, Illinois).  Burial will be held following the funeral service at Lawrenceville City Cemetery (300 18th Street, Lawrenceville, Illinois).

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation prior to the service from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.    Please enter through the garage.

Memorials may be given in Joe’s memory to Wabash County Museum and in MaryLynn’s memory to P.E.O. Sisterhood.  Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

COVID-19 precautions, wearing of face coverings, social distancing and use of hand sanitizer is recommended.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

 Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve MaryLynn’s family.

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