Marilynn Hawkins Lance, 71, of Woodstock, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.Marilynn was born in Fort Lee, Virginia, and was originally from Marietta, Georgia. She later made her home in Woodstock, where she shared 26 years of marriage with her husband, Bruce Lance.Marilynn devoted much of her life to caring for others through her career as a Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN). Her compassion, strength, and dedication to helping others were evident both in her profession and in the way she loved and cared for her family.She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Marilynn is survived by her husband, Bruce Lance; her children, Ashlee Rich and Brandon Cook (Kristan Cook), who serves as a missionary in Italy; her stepchildren, Chelsea Lance and Courtney Fussell (Willis Fussell); and her beloved grandchildren, Thomas Cook, Titus Cook, Elisha Cook, Abigail Cook, William Fussell, and Dallas Fussell. She is also survived by her sister, Lori Finks (Steve Finks).She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Thomas Hawkins and Edna Hawkins.Marilynn had a special love for the outdoors and found great joy in hiking, spending time in the mountains, and visiting waterfalls. Above all, she treasured her family and held a particularly special place in her heart for her grandchildren.Music was also a meaningful part of Marilynn’s life and ministry.
A gifted pianist, she served as a church pianist for much of her life at several churches. She faithfully used her musical gifts in service to the Lord and was a member of East Cobb Baptist Church, where she remained actively involved, including singing in the choir.Marilynn was a faithful and strong believer in Jesus Christ. Her faith was at the center of her life and shaped the way she loved, served, and cared for others. Her life verse was Jeremiah 29:11:“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” — Jeremiah 29:11Her love for the Lord, her family, music, and the beauty of God’s creation will remain an enduring part of her legacy.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Marietta Funeral Home, 915 Piedmont Road, Marietta, Georgia 30066.A funeral service celebrating Marilynn’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at East Cobb Baptist Church, 1940 Shallowford Road, Marietta, Georgia 30066.Following the funeral service, Marilynn will be laid to rest at Kennesaw Memorial Park, 1306 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, Georgia 30064.In lieu of flowers, it was Marilynn’s wish that those who would like to honor her memory consider supporting the missionary work of her son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Kristan Cook, who are serving the Lord in Northern Italy. Donations may be made through Macedonia World Baptist Missions, Inc., designated for Brandon and Kristan Cook, Northern Italy, at mwbn.org.Marilynn will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at home with the Lord she faithfully loved and served throughout her life.
