Born in Middleton, Tennessee, on November 13, 1934, she was the 2nd child of Rachel and James Whaley. At the age of 16, she graduated from Middleton High School as Valedictorian of her class. After high school, she attended Memphis School of Commerce.
After graduating from business school, Marilyn made Memphis her home with her first job at Sears Roebuck and Company. After Sears, she continued her career at WHBQ Radio and Television where she was the executive assistant to station manager and worked in Human Resources.
After retiring Marilyn moved to Collierville and resided there until moving into her beautiful apartment at Kirby Pines in Memphis. She was active in her church at Germantown Church of Christ where she spent time giving her love to preschoolers. Marilyn enjoyed traveling, reading, and building puzzles but nothing made her more excited than a great University of Memphis Tigers basketball game. Marilyn’s real love in life was spending time with her family. She and her sister Rosalind Edwards were inseparable and enjoyed life together. Marilyn had a special relationship with each of her nieces and nephews. She was the family counselor, confidant and cheerleader. She was a friend to so many and had a smile for everyone. Marilyn left a legacy of kindness and how to live this life so well.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Rachel and James, her brother Gaylon and her brother-in-law Billy Edwards. She is survived by her sister Rosalind Edwards, of Memphis, and her brother John, of Atlanta, and his wife Nancy. Rosalind’s children, Lisa Edwards, of Memphis, Amy Edwards and her husband Shad Shepston and their son Jacob, of Boulder, Colorado and David Edwards, of Boulder. John’s children, Wyatt Whaley and his wife Dawn, of Atlanta, and their daughter Spencer, of New York City, and Carol Ann Janca and her husband Jim, of Phoenix Arizona.
Family and Friends are invited to join in a Memorial Service online on March 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. on the Collierville Funeral Home Facebook page. A celebration of life and interment will be scheduled later in the year when it is safe to gather.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Germantown Church of Christ Mission Fund or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
The family wishes to thank all those who have provided support and prayers during the last few weeks of Marilyn’s life.
