Born June 30, 1945 in Shelby, Ohio to her loving parents Florence and Lowell French, she grew up in Ohio but later migrated to Virginia where she would reside for 41 years. She spent over 20 years working for the Newport News Shipyard and retired in 2007 as an Administrative Assistant. Although Marilyn held many titles her favorite job was in all actuality a calling as Dizzy the Clown where she could spread happiness to kids and adults alike. Marilyn also spent several years of her life dedicated to volunteering at the Virginia Living Museum. She was also an avid fan of the color purple.
Marilyn is survived by her son Brad Buckingham (Michelle); her daughters Julie Finkenauer (Paul) and Debbie Henson (Dwain); her sister Ruby Gray; her grandchildren Marcus Finkenauer, Matthew Finkenauer, Colby Henson, Jared Henson, and Jeremy Henson; her great-granddaughter Hailey Henson; her honorary grandchildren Dane Conley, Joseph Henson, Robert Woods, Darrius Beggs and Kate Fisher. Marilyn also leaves behind a host of loving friends and family to cherish her memory.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years James Melvin Buckingham; her father Lowell Ward French and her mother Florence Roesch French; her sister Arlene Miller and her brother Calvin French.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marilyn's memory may be made to Animal Aid Society, 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666, https://www.animalaidsociety.org/support/.
A visitation for Marilyn will be held Friday, October 13, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home inside the Grand Chapel. Since Marilyn's favorite color was purple the family requests and encourages those who attend wear something purple to help honor her memory.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Buckingham family.
