Marilyn Sanderson Thompson

Marilyn Sanderson Thompson passed away peacefully on Sept 18, 2013 at Peachtree Christian Hospice in Duluth, GA. She is survived by five children: Marilyn Thompson Altman of Duluth; Dan Thompson of Atlanta; Reese Thompson of Detroit; Edie Thompson of Atlanta; and Helen Thompson Whitley of Acworth, GA. Her sister, Wilma Sewell of Panama City, FL is her only surviving sibling. Marilyn was preceded in death by her two brothers, Joe Frank Sanderson of Laurel, MS and Dewey Sanderson, also of Laurel, and her mother and father, Dewey Raymond Sanderson and Wilma Whitley Sanderson, also of Laurel. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Hagan Thompson, of Atlanta. Marilyn has two grandchildren, Samantha Thompson and Kate Gaylord, of Duluth. She also has numerous other relatives residing in various states. Marilyn was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, on May 1, 1929. She was a scholar and a beauty at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, where she earned her degree in psychology. Marilyn was an active member of Kappa Delta sorority for 65 years, serving in numerous offices as both a student and alum. Marilyn loved her family and friends. She was vivacious and active but also loved to read, work crossword puzzles, and stay informed on current events. She loved to travel, and saw many countries. Marilyn was also a generous philanthropist, donating to various charitable causes, which gave her a great deal of pleasure. For most of her working career, Marilyn was an educator. She taught elementary school in both Natchez and Jackson, MS. She was later involved in literacy action programs and loved teaching others how to read. Gardening became a hobby in later life, and she enjoyed growing all kinds of potted plants and taking care of her greenhouse. Marilyn also loved music. She played the piano and she loved to sing. She had a great memory for lyrics and could remember the words to hundreds of songs. She said that during WWII, when all the men were overseas fighting, she would sit and listen to the radio all day and memorize the songs. Marilyn was very active in AA in Atlanta, sponsoring numerous people and helping them to sobriety. Marilyn will be loved and missed by many. We, her family and friends, celebrate her remarkable life.




Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033