Marjorie Elizabeth (Johnson) Beihold, Carolyn Marlene VanMeter, Carol Joyce Emerson
Marjorie Elizabeth (Johnson) Beihold
Marjorie Elizabeth (Johnson) Beihold, 94, of Tipton, died Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born December 4, 1931, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Albert Gustav and Hilda (Ings) Johnson.
Marjorie graduated from Roslindale High School in Boston in 1950. Through Youth for Christ, she began a pen-pal correspondence with T. E. Beihold, an Indiana farmer who was studying for the ministry at Fort Wayne Bible College. That correspondence grew into a courtship, and the couple married in 1952, settling on a farm in Indiana. After her husband was ordained as a Methodist minister, he left farming for full-time ministry, and Marjorie devoted herself to life as a pastor’s wife. Together, they raised four sons and a daughter, Shirley Denise Beihold, who died at age 17 from vaccine injuries.
As a pastor’s wife, Marjorie participated in a family gospel trio and drew musical inspiration from the country gospel group The Chuck Wagon Gang. In later years, she became an enthusiastic fan of the Gaithers and delighted in sharing her favorite songs with friends and family. Her faith was central to her life. She loved her husband, her sons—whom she often reminded how much they meant to her—and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Marjorie was devoted to church attendance and personal Bible study, which she continued faithfully at home until her final hospitalization. Over the years, she supported numerous radio ministries, both through devoted listening and financial contributions.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband the Rev. T. E. Beihold; her daughter Shirley Denise Beihold; her sister Barbara Johnson; and her brother Stephen Johnson.
She is survived by her four sons: Fred Beihold of West Virginia; James Beihold and wife Zahra of Glendale, California; Paul Beihold and wife Julie of Carmel; and Thomas Beihold and partner Beth of Tipton. She is also survived by two brothers Fred Johnson of Virginia and David Johnson of Roslindale, Massachusetts; one sister Carol Dieffenbach of Massachusetts; and five grandchildren Gabrielle Beihold, Stephen Beihold, Emily Beihold, Anne Beihold, and Yanni Beihold.
Visitation with Marjorie’s family will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at 2:15 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for Marjorie’s family on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Memorial donations in honor of Marjorie should be made to the Salvation Army, 1105 S. Waugh Street, Kokomo, Indiana, 46902.
Carolyn Marlene VanMeter
Carolyn Marlene VanMeter, 80, of Kokomo, went home to be with the Lord at 3:57 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at home following an extended illness. Born September 11, 1945, in Noblesville, IN, to Parker C. and Hazel L. (Dishon) Gray, she married Stephen D. VanMeter on July 17, 1966. He preceded her in death on March 18, 2020.
Carolyn was a 1963 graduate of Northwestern High School. After graduation, she remained in the Kokomo area, starting her career at Brada Miller Trucking before returning to Northwestern School Corporation. It was there where she spent the majority of her career in service as secretary in both the middle and high school offices. Following her retirement in 2008, she spent her time with family and friends as well as working outdoors.
She is survived by her daughter Teena and husband Kevin Morrow; beloved granddaughter Leah Morrow; brother Garnet (Janet) Gray; cousin Brenda (Jim) Holloway; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Lloyd W. and Gordon L. Gray, Frances J. Sopher, and spouses; nephew Ronald D. Sopher; faithful doggos Huck and Cooper; as well as several aunts and uncles.
In accordance with her wishes, interment will be at Galveston Cemetery with private graveside services to be held at the family’s discretion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kokomo Urban Outreach. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Paradigm Health staff as well as trusted caregivers for their assistance and care throughout this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Murray-Weaver Funeral Home, Galveston Chapel. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Carol Joyce Emerson
Carol Joyce Emerson was called home to be with the Lord on December 19, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on November 29, 1928, in Curtisville, Indiana, to the late Thomas Clifford and Elsie Pearl Riley, Carol’s life was a testament to the virtues of kindness, intelligence, and an adventurous spirit.
Carol’s long journey through life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family. She was a cherished wife to her devoted husband Jerry for 61 beautiful years. Carol was a loving mother to her son David Emerson (Annette), stepson Tim Emerson, and a grandmother to her grandchildren Adam and Aaron Emerson, Amanda Southern, and Christy Brelage. Her sister Lucy Lipp also survives her, carrying the memories of their shared laughter and love.
She was a proud graduate of Windfall High School Class of 1945. Carol’s love for life was evident in her many interests. She had a passion for flower gardening as well as antiquing and decorating her home. She found joy in entertaining and hosting her family for dinners, especially during the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming home that was the heart of many cherished family traditions. Alongside her husband, Carol enjoyed mushroom hunting and fishing.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Marion Riley, Glenn Riley, Delores Long, and Larry Riley.
As we bid farewell to Carol, we are comforted by the knowledge that she is at peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com