Marilyn was born on December 2, 1950, in Memphis, TN to Ida Wy Fong. Ms. Fong taught Marilyn how to be strong, deliberate, intentional, and kind…all with a strong love for Jesus. Marilyn demonstrated those qualities plus softness, love, a vivacious laugh, and a beautiful smile.
When she was thirteen years old Marilyn accepted Jesus as her Savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Blytheville. She truly believed her favorite Bible verse found in Proverbs 3:5—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Marilyn attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR and later transferred to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR to complete her degree in dental hygiene. Marilyn worked as a dental hygienist for dentists in Arkansas and Tennessee before retirement.
In 1973, Marilyn married Shun Joe, Jr. in Blytheville, AR. Marilyn and Shun first lived in Marion and West Memphis, AR; later moved to Germantown, TN where they went on to have 2 children, Jason Joe of Carson City, NV and Melissa Joe Thurmer of Arlington, TN. For the past 20+ years they made Lakeland, TN their home.
In 2023, Marilyn and Shun renewed their vows and celebrated their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary with family and dear friends.
Marilyn was blessed with two loving, caring, and fun grandsons, Brayden and Liam. Her favorite and most fulfilling role was being “Mimi” to her grandbabies and spending as much time as she could with them. Marilyn cherished all of her travel adventures with Shun as well as many with her children and grandsons. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and spending time in her Bible.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her mom Ida Wy Fong and brother Jimmy Fong Jr. Marilyn is survived by her husband Shun Y Joe, Jr; her son Jason Christopher Joe; her daughter Melissa Joe Thurmer; her son in law Justin Lee Thurmer; grandsons Brayden Christopher Thurmer and Liam Joe Thurmer.
Anyone who ever met Marilyn never forgets her.
Note: Following a Chinese funeral service, candy and a coin wrapped in an envelope is traditionally distributed to each attendee after interment at the cemetery. The candy signifies taking away the bitterness of sadness while the coin represents good luck. The candy should be eaten the same day of the service and the money should be spent before the end of the day.
A visitation for Marilyn will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 9, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the West Entrance at Bellevue Baptist Church, 2000 Appling Rd, Memphis, TN 38016. A committal service will occur Friday, February 9, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Pkwy, Bartlett, TN 38133.
