Marilyn was born October 5, 1932 in Elizabethton, Tennessee to Maggie Nidiffer Oliver and Clate Oliver. She was married to the late Eugene Bell, and together they called Columbus, Georgia home. Mrs. Marilyn was Christian by faith and a member of First Freewill Baptist Church of Columbus, Georgia. She was a natural born caregiver; she loved her family fiercely and would put all others before herself, especially her daughter, Terri. Mrs. Marilyn was a wonderful cook. Her biscuits and gravy on mornings for her grandsons were a legend all their own. She was also infamous for her sweet potato soufflé at gatherings and her Milky Way cakes she would bring to her grandsons, Justin and Blake.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Terri Applewhite; grandsons, Justin Applewhite (Courtney) and Blake Applewhite (Gabby McIntyre); great-grandchildren, Donzee, Palmer Bell, and Bowen; sisters, June Collins, Martine Lewis, and Shirley Morrell; brothers, Jerald Oliver, Larry Oliver, Lanney Oliver, Odell Oliver, and Steve Oliver; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene Bell; her father, Clay Oliver; her mother, Maggie Nidiffer Oliver; and her sister, Irene Taylor.
A memorial service will be held at a later date for Mrs. Marilyn, possibly in Tennessee where most of her family resides. A burial for Marilyn will be held Saturday, March 28, 2020 in Parkhill Cemetery, Columbus, Georgia.
Mrs. Marilyn’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Pruitt Health Nursing Home for their compassion, love and care shown and given to Mrs. Marilyn during her stay.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Bell family.
