GENEVA "Gen" LOUISE (WATSON) MARNELL

PLEASE NOTE:

A Memorial Service for Geneva Louise "Gen" (Watson) Marnell is being held at Franklin Memorial Methodist Church, 54 Bridge Street, Dunbar, PA, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Samantha Corbin officiating. 

Inurnment immediately following at St. Aloysius Cemetery, Dunbar, PA. 

Arrangements by Burhans-Crouse Funeral Home, Dunbar, PA. 

Condolences for the family may be left at www.burhanscrousefuneralhome.com or on the funeral home's Facebook page, @burhanscrouse. 

Geneva was born on December 28, 1921, in Oklahoma City, Ok. 

War came in 1941 & Geneva’s dream was to go overseas. In October 1942, she enlisted in the Army as a WAAC. In June of 1943, overseas positions became available. She received training as a medical technician to the Army & Navy General Hospital. Unfortunately, orders had changed & medically trained WAC’s were no longer allowed in active war zones. Geneva did not give up her dream. She became a clerk typist & on April 9, 1944, Corporal Geneva Niles boarded the Queen Elizabeth & landed in England where she served as a clerk/typist, part-time driver. While there, she earned her Sergeant stripes. 

Several months later, she was transferred to Rheims, France. This was the base for “Operation Overlord” where orders for all the troop movements took place. Geneva was awarded the French Foreign Legion Medal of Honor, Good Conduct Medal, and 3 Bronze Service Stars.

Geneva eventually returned to civilian life. Prompted by her earlier medical training & armed with her GI bill, she entered chiropractic college. Eventually, she also received her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland & used her studies to become a full-time teacher.

Geneva is survived by her only child, David Eric Marnell, and his wife, Judith Marnell, Grandson David Jr., Granddaughter Nichole Marnell, and her husband, Zachary Bailey. 

As an Army Sergeant, Teacher, Chiropractor, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, & Follower of Jesus Christ, Geneva had an incredible journey. At the age of 100, she became an author with her book, “On Winged Word”.

Many times, Geneva said that if God would allow her to live a full, retired life, she would devote herself to her Bible study. She succeeded so well in her studies that she gained an extensive knowledge of the Word and was able to assist others in their studies. She loved Christ and spoke often with God. Even in the assisted living home, while struggling with ill health, she continued to witness & tell all she met of the everlasting love of God. Geneva’s journey ended at the wonderful age of 103. 

Well done, thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

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