Marilyn Ann Semtner

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, Marilyn Ann Brady Semtner, 77, of Blackstone, VA, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Marilyn grew up with her two sisters in Oklahoma and Texas, graduated high school, and then headed to Stillwater, OK, to attend Oklahoma State University. It was during her time at OSU that she met a graduate teaching assistant in an Entomology lab named Paul. She earned a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Plant Ecology. She married the love of her life, Paul, and they welcomed their son, Robert, while living in Oklahoma. Paul’s job as an Entomologist at the Virginia Tech Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center brought them to Virginia in 1974 and they have lived in Blackstone ever since. Marilyn added Chris and Vicky to the family and embraced being a part of the community. She was a proud member of Crenshaw United Methodist Church, the Blackstone Woman’s Club, the Three Arts Club, the Bellefonte Grange #15 and the Blackstone Lions Club. She was a girl scout troop leader, PTA member, and team  mom to many Dixie boys baseball teams. Marilyn enjoyed baking and gardening. She often made flower arrangements for her husband's church, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and she enjoyed baking cakes for both churches. She enjoyed being a part of the bell choir at Crenshaw and enjoyed the friendships she made through church, work, and clubs.  Marilyn was a substitute teacher for Nottoway Co. Public Schools, taught night school at the prison for many years through Southside Virginia Community College, then from 1991-2012 Marilyn was an Assistant Professor of Biology at Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, VA. She attended Virginia Tech for additional courses in order to bring Aquaculture to St. Paul’s College.  She continued her training in Aquatic Science and upon her return from training, St. Paul’s College established a new major, the Bachelor of Science with a major in Aquatic Science.  The students who graduated in Aquatic Science were gainfully employed in government and industries or went to graduate schools.  Marilyn was the Director of the Aquaculture Program and the Fish Pond.  She was a two-time recipient of the Faculty of the Year Award in the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: 2007 and 2011.  Her students loved her very much for her commitment to and concern for them.  She adored her students and frequently brought students to her home for Thanksgiving meals each year.  Marilyn enjoyed every day and was a very proud mother and grandmother who never met a stranger. She enjoyed life and sharing a smile and story with anyone willing to listen. She loved plants and could revive a neglected plant with a little love, science, and care. If you needed food prepared for a covered dish dinner or a yummy Texas sheet cake, Marilyn would take care of you. Marilyn is survived by her  husband of 54 years, Paul Joseph Semtner; three children, Dr. Robert Semtner (Dr. Mona) of Blacksburg, VA, Chris Semtner (Tara) of Richmond, VA, and Dr. Vicky Hale (Dr. Travis) of Culpeper, VA; six grandchildren, Brady, Ella, Louis, and Keely Semtner, Hunter and Jackson Hale; two sisters, Anita Marsh (Harry) of Oswego, Illinois and Carolyn Slote (Chuck) of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents, C. Wilbur and Mary Lou Brady.

The visitation for Marilyn Semtner will be on Friday, March 7, from 5-7pm at Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Road Blackstone, VA 23824, The memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8, at 11am at Crenshaw United Methodist Church, 200 Church St, Blackstone, VA 23824, with a reception to follow. A livestream of the service will be available for those that wish but won't be able to attend in person. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crenshaw United Methodist Church,  200 Church St., Blackstone, VA  23824, Blackstone Woman’s Club Scholarship, c/o 905 Brunswick Ave., Blackstone, VA  23824, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,  www.stjude.org Arrangements are by the  Blackstone Chapel of Joseph McMillian Funeral Homes. www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com

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