Marilyn Ruth (Dawson) Jarvis

Marilyn Ruth Dawson Jarvis (also known by many as Mrs. Carver, Ms. McDonald aka Ms. Mac, Mrs. Hnot) 94, of Tarpon Springs, Florida, passed away, December 25, 2023. After celebrating Christmas morning with her loving family at her side, Jesus welcomed her into heaven to celebrate His birthday with all the angels.

Born in Highland Park Michigan, Marilyn graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit Michigan in 1947, and graduated from Wayne State University in 1951 . She earned a BA in Sociology. While working in Galveston, Texas on a summer adventure in the early 1950's, she met her first husband, Joe Wilbur Carver, and awakened a love for the water and the beach.  She began her teaching career in Texas in the 1950’s while helping her husband in retail pharmacy in Dell City, Plainview, and Dimmitt TX. In 1963, their daughter, Evelyn Ruth was born.

In 1972, Marilyn and Evelyn moved to Dunedin Florida to be near her parents and grandparents. She taught at Tarpon Springs Junior High for several years and then became Chairman of the English Department at Tarpon Springs High School until the early 1990s. In 1982 she earned her Master’s in Education from Stetson University. Throughout this time she was also an adjunct professor at St Petersburg Jr College and tutored privately to hundreds of students. Her love of teaching was never ending. She also regularly taught Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church of Dunedin.

Marilyn loved writing, cooking, gardening, going to the beach, and taking care of her grandchildren. Once she was “semi-retired” with the help of her husband Joe Hnot (aka Papa Joe, married 1988, passed 2005), she published a cookbook, “Flavor of the Florida Suncoast,” and did cooking demos throughout Pinellas County. She published multiple writings, editorials and short stories. She was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi, the Dunedin Youth Guild, Clearwater Christian Women’s Club, First United Methodist of Dunedin and  FUMC of Tarpon Springs.

In 2011, Marilyn found true love again with a most caring and giving man, Charles Jarvis. They married and proceeded to pack so much fun, adventure and laughter into their years together. Their love for each other was evident to everyone who met them. They rarely slowed down and continued camping and outdoor activities until just recently. They loved their home and friends at The Woods of Anderson Park. They were planning on moving in to Brookdale Assisted Living in December so they could focus more on having fun than managing a household.

She is reunited in heaven with her parents, Stanley H. and Ruth Evelyn (Coller) Dawson, two brothers, Stanley C. “Jerry” (Marilyn) Dawson and Norval (Donna) Dawson, and grandson Alexander Joseph Kikta.

Until we see her again in heaven are her loving husband, Charles A. Jarvis; daughter, Evelyn Ruth (Tim) Kikta; grandson, Christopher Luke Kikta; and granddaughter, Abigail Elizabeth Kikta; LOTS of loving nieces and nephews; and Charlie’s loving kids and grandkids throughout the Midwest.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of Marilyn’s life at 12:00 on Friday, January 5, 2023 at the White Chapel in downtown Palm Harbor, 1190 Georgia Avenue, Palm Harbor, 34683, with lunch to follow next door at Harbor Hall. Pastor Herb Lange will be officiating.

Flowers and plants received for her service will be shared with her family, the residents of Brookdale ALF of Tarpon Springs, and the Hospice Care Center of Palm Harbor. 

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