Marion Willingham McKenney was born on December 5 in Dyersburg, TN.  She grew up in Ottawa and Peoria, IL, and graduated from Illinois Central College and Bradley University. To date, she has over fifteen published books.  Marion was featured in the Peoria Journal Star and The Times newspapers. Her writing has been influenced by Jesus Christ, because without him, she can do nothing!  While attending high school, Marion's favorite classes were typing, shorthand, and math.  At the time she thought Science, Social Studies and American Government were classes for boys; but she learned, when she became a teacher, that she had missed a lot of learning opportunities in the classroom and is still learning new things every day.  Girls as well as boys need to know about the above-mentioned subjects.  After graduating from high school, she became a receptionist at CILCO in Peoria, IL.  After working there for four years, she was hired at Caterpillar, Inc..  While at Caterpillar she worked in several departments ( Purchasing, Service, Service Engineering, Medical, Legal, and Compensation).  She worked at Caterpillar for 17 years. Started her own business, "AJC Quick Typing Service" Has been a Mary Kay Consultant. Has been a Tupperware Consultant. Worked as a Lecturer for Weight Watchers, conducting classes at meetings. Has been an Elementary Teacher. She is married to Joe and has three children and two grandsons.    

Honored for academics -- Bradley University.
Taught elementary school.
Became a published author.
Has given several author talks.