Marjorie Washam, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021, at the age of 91.

She was born at home in Ash Grove, MO on February 13, 1930, to Amos and Gertrude Dickens. While her father was serving as Principal/Superintendent, she attended schools in Ash Grove, Buffalo and Nixa. After the family moved to Springfield, she attended and graduated from Central High School. A highlight of her young life was traveling with her father and cheering on the high school basketball teams.

While exchanging papers for grading in English class, she met Kenneth Washam. His homework did not impress, but he took her to prom and carried her clarinet every day that summer. She attended Southwest Missouri State College until they married in 1949.

They lived in Springfield and started a family. In addition to homemaker, she became a business partner with Kenneth as they launched several businesses, including once having a stand at the Ozark Empire Fair. Eventually they opened a used bookstore, the Bookhaven. It led them to start the Student Book Exchange, which served college students in the Springfield area for 56 years. For many years, it was one of the only used college textbook stores in the country.

She loved having family visit, especially during holidays since she enjoyed seasonal decorating. In later years, she enjoyed cruising and traveling with her family all over the US, including Philadelphia, Washington DC, Orlando, Little Rock, Charleston, Savannah, and San Diego. Through her son Stephen's love of Cardinal baseball, she also became an avid fan, which provided many hours of entertainment the last few years of her life.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Washam, sons Gregory and Stephen Washam, and daughter Nancy Byers.

She is survived by her daughter Cathy Yates (Charlie); granddaughter Stacey Thompson (Wyatt); grandson David Yates (Stacey); grandson Spencer Washam; great-grandchildren Jake, Emy, and Annie Yates; sister Virginia Harper (Jim); nieces Susan Alligood (David) and Deanna Hines (Chris); great-nephew Jared Hines; great-niece Julia Hines; great-nieces Lauren and Katelyn Alligood and great-nephew Luke Alligood.

A special thanks to her angelic caregivers: LaJeana Lackey, Cindy Mason, Chy Looney, and Shoni Green.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home with a brief service following at 11:00 AM in the funeral home.