Marilyn Romona Whittington

Our beloved sister, niece and friend peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at her home in Mt. Rainier, Maryland with her devoted sister by her side. The second of four children of the late Roselyn Whittington Collins, Marilyn was born on February 20, 1956, in Crisfield, Maryland, joining her twin sister, Marshallyn. Preceding her in death were her grand-parents, Matthew and Lois Whittington, her mother, Roselyn Collins, stepfather, William Collins, Sr and her sister Roselyn Ball. Also preceding in death were her aunts Cora Brooks and Cathaleen Whittington.

Marilyn received her early education at Carter G. Woodson in Crisfield, Maryland, from 1st grade through 8th grade, graduating from Crisfield High School in 1974. With the help and support of her sister, Marshallyn, Marilyn attended Strayer College, graduating with a degree in Stenography. Armed with her degree, she pursued her love of administration at the Department of Defense, working at the Pentagon for more than 40 years until her retirement.

On September 11, 2001, Marilyn was at work when the Pentagon was struck in the worst terrorist attack since Pearl Harbor. While our family frantically tried to find out whether she was safe, their grandmother calmed Marshallyn by simply asking her if she felt that something had happened to her sister adding that they were so close that she would feel it in her spirit! Not only was Marilyn safe, she was the first to notify her manager of the attack in New York; and when the Pentagon was evacuated, she flagged down a cab and rounded up several of her co-workers so they all could get home safely to their families.

Growing up in a Christian home, Marilyn accepted Christ at an early age at John Wesley United Methodist Church in Marion Station, Maryland. It was there that the spiritual gift that she shared with her sister, Marshallyn, was born. God blessed them with harmonic voices that transcended the traditional soprano and alto. Their grandparents taught them to use their gifts to edify, glorify, and magnify God. They used their gift to bring comfort to their great-grandparents, grandparents, and at every school and church they attended. Some of their favorites included Life’s Railway to Heaven, We are Our Heavenly Father’s Children, and The Lifeboat is Coming, which they sang with their sister, Roselyn (Annette). They never sang for themselves – they only sang for the glory of God! Marilyn reaffirmed her walk with Christ through Baptism at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Washington, DC.

Marilyn was also an artist. Along with her sister Marshallyn, their drawings were used on programs and a painting they completed and donated to John Wesley United Methodist Church in Marion Station, of "Jesus walking on water", can still be viewed today.

Marilyn leaves to cherish beautiful memories her loving and dedicated twin sister, Marshallyn (Mt. Rainer, MD), brother, Jerome Collins, (Crisfield, MD), aunts Jane Whittington (Philadelphia, PA), Helen Whittington (Dallas, TX) and Maxine Swayne (Charlotte, NC); many loving cousins, and many dear friends including Debbie Pleasant and Bob and Lynn Doyle, who provided unwavering support for many years.

A visitation for Marilyn will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, Maryland 20722. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, Maryland 20722. A committal will occur Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722.