Marilyn Davis Williams

Marilyn Williams, 97, died Thursday, October 3, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. She was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on December 11, 1926, the only child of Marion Burt Davis and his wife, Mary Maughan Davis. Her family moved from Alabama to Jacksonville when she was in elementary school.

After high school, Marilyn went to work for Southern Bell in the accounting office. There, she became friends with co-worker, Virginia Williams. Virginia set Marilyn up on a blind date with her brother, Jack. Marilyn and Jack married on February 25, 1950. Together, along with Jack’s brother, R.M., and sister-in-law, Anne, they ran a successful cattle business in Mandarin. Marilyn and Jack were happily married for almost forty years when he died with cancer in 1989.

Marilyn loved her family. She was a wonderful wife and mother, devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A lifelong Christian, she was a faithful, committed member of Mandarin United Methodist Church for almost 60 years during which she was a tireless volunteer for Vacation Bible School, MYF, and the United Methodist Women.

She had a green thumb and loved being outdoors tending to her roses and vegetable garden. Marilyn was a wonderful cook and enjoyed providing her family and friends with good Southern fare. Later in life, travel became a pleasure and she visited Europe, Canada, and many states in the U.S. Her favorite place to relax, though, was at her second home in the north Georgia mountains. Many happy days were spent exploring the mountains, enjoying good food, and making new friends.

Marilyn is survived by her three daughters Linda Trunick (Clifford), Leslie Brickell (Chip), and Nancy Lanier (Michael), six grandchildren, Cliff Trunick, Susan Brickell, Laura Bentley (Clarke), Rachel Brickell (Randy), Greg Lanier, Kate Lanier, a great granddaughter, Blake Lanier, and a great grandson, Jack Trunick.

Our family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek for the excellent care provided during Mom’s stay in the Health Center. We are also grateful to the loving care givers at Home Instead. You enabled Mom to remain independent for as long as possible and then helped with her transition to skilled nursing. We also appreciate the compassionate care of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida for the past two years.

A Celebration of Mom’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home located at 11801 San Jose Boulevard with a visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.