Marigene Smith Brewer

Marigene Smith Brewer, age 73, of Jefferson City, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City. She was born September 29, 1944, in Newark, New Jersey, the only child of Edward and Berenice Cobb Smith. Marigene was a lifelong learner and educator. Upon graduating high school in Cahokia, Illinois, Marigene moved to New York state where she obtained her teaching certificate. She continued her educational pursuits culminating in achieving her Master of Arts in Teaching. Her journey as an educator took her from teacher to counselor, principal, educational consultant, and through her retirement from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Along the way she spent several years teaching in Colorado correctional institutions, working largely with Native American teenagers and young adults. Following her retirement, she continued teaching as a substitute in the Jefferson City area. On January 1, 1997, Marigene was united in marriage to Michael Brewer, who survives at the home. The couple enjoyed traveling throughout Missouri and across the country, taking several extended trips in recent years. They were particularly fond of visiting Colorado to view the mountains and to watch the Aspens change foliage. They were supporters of the small theater. They held season tickets for the Lyceum Theater in Arrow Rock, taking their grandchildren to see a play each year. Marigene was also an avid reader, frequenting the local library to check out several new books on a weekly basis. Marigene volunteered at the Missouri River Regional Library, and spent several years working with the Learning in Retirement group in Jefferson City, serving on the LIR Board and coordinating many activities and projects. Marigene fought a courageous battle with cancer, showing tremendous strength in the face of adversity and teaching her family how to live each day to its fullest. In addition to her husband Michael, Marigene is survived by two aunts, Elmetta Willis of Poplar Bluff, and Marie (Ninky) Wolpers and husband Jerry of Perry, Mo.; numerous cousins; three step-children, Paula Brewer Mraz and husband Ray of High Ridge, Ross Brewer and wife Pok Suk of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kurt Brewer and wife Justina of Russellville; six step- grandchildren, Ray, Robyn, Joshua, Kara, Justin, and Grace; and one step-great-grandchild, Jordan. Marigene was preceded in death by her parents. Marigene will be interred with her parents during a family service at Valhalla Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Dreams to Reality Boutique in Jefferson City.