Born Frances Marilyn Davis on April 3, 1941 as the lunch bell rang at nearby Central School in Gaffney, SC. Oldest of 6 children born to T G and Frances Berry Davis; first grandchild of Lewis R. and Eula Bonner Berry, and Orange Odell and Pearley Davis Bridges.
Began a lifelong career of church music by playing piano for her Sunday School at Providence Baptist Church when she could play only the melody of hymns with one finger. Continued as pianist at Northside Baptist Church at age 13. Received a Bachelor of Music degree from Mississippi(Baptist) College, Clinton, MS; continued advanced studies at Indiana University and Converse College. Taught 2 years at Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, Mississippi, then pursued teaching private students.
Was pianist or organist at several churches in the Miami and Naples, Florida areas from 1971. Was in demand as musician for many weddings. Enjoyed arranging choral music for small choirs. Her most popular was a simplifies 3-part harmony of the "Hallelujah" Chorus from "The Messiah". Was blessed to be able to play concerts in churches in Latin America.
She leaves one daughter, Kimberly Widdifield Rumbaugh (Allen) Easley, and 2 granddaughters: Amanda and Ashley Federick, daughters of David Frederick. Stepchildren and grandchildren are: Jill Rumbaugh (Greg) Groselle, Kaitlyn, Jaclyn and Dylan; Wayne (Mary Jo), Anthony, Shawn and Cassandra; Robert (Dayra), Patrick, Jonathan and Bianca.
The love of her life was her husband Ronald Leon Rumbaugh, born in Haven, Kansas on Jan. 9, 1935. Her siblings are a sister, Patricia "Trish" Davis Simmons Hoopaugh, and 4 brothers: Thomas, Rev. Welton, Ronald and Rev. S. M. "Sheron" Davis. She leaves 8 great-grandchildren: Taj Cash, Heath Patrick, Tenley Kate, Kenna Mae, Desmond Dawson, Aria Laiklyn, Lorenzo Jeremiah and Naomi Elyse.
Marilyn was a member of Covenant Church of Naples. Marilyn was saved on April 8, 1948.
"WHEN THEY RING THOSE GOLDEN BELLS FOR ME"
Don't stand by my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
I made my music here on earth
As my expression of God's new birth.
So now in heav'n I play a scale
That once my aching fingers failed.
My feet the organ pedals swell
Midst friends and fam'ly where I dwell.
Or grand pianos rule the day
And I among the angels play.
So don't stand by my grave and weep...
They rang those golden bells for me.
Services will be held on December 8, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Draytonville Baptist Church, Gaffney, South Carolina. Burial will be at Berry Family Cemetery next to Berry Memorial Baptist Church.
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