Marilyn Dees Bennett passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025 in Gainesville, Georgia at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, DeAnna and Christopher Goellner, following an extended illness. She was born November 25, 1941 in Brewton, Alabama and grew up at Jay Villa Plantation, a large farm managed by her father in Conecuh County, Alabama near Evergreen. Marilyn was an outstanding student and graduated with honors from Evergreen High School and Auburn University. At Auburn, Marilyn was very active on campus including as a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. As alumna of Auburn, Marilyn was devoted to Tri-Delta and was a proud and exuberant War Eagle fan! She became a very accomplished pianist and organist at an early age and served as the organist of Evergreen First Baptist Church as a high schooler and was pianist and organist at Louisville Baptist Church for more than 40 years.
Ms. Bennett lived a life dedicated to service to others. She worked for many years for the Auburn University Extension Service helping numerous members of the community learn about nutrition, meal preparation, child rearing, health and hygiene, and seeking job opportunities. Marilyn served for nearly 15 years at Dixie Academy as a beloved science and home economics teacher. So many of “Miss Marilyn’s” former students fondly recall her constant encouragement and positive influence in their lives. In 1993, Marilyn joined the staff at Farmers Exchange Bank and served there for 20 years as a Vice President and Cashier working primarily in administration, operations, and human resources. During her entire professional career, Marilyn remained active in the community and at her beloved Louisville Baptist Church. Marilyn was a tremendous leader and achiever, always motivated to help and improve the lives of others. She was instrumental in countless community project efforts including renovation of the Old Louisville School, Louisville school reunions, Veterans Day events, and Louisville’s Bicentennial celebration, just to name a few. At LBC, Marilyn was a GA and Mission Friends leader, VBS teacher, choir member, and was very active in the Barbour Baptist Association and the State Baptist Convention. Marilyn served several years on the board of the State Women’s Missionary Union. She provided leadership and was instrumental in the two most recent renovations of Louisville Baptist Church. Marilyn was a master “yard person” and worked hard to beautify the grounds of not only her own lovely home but also the church and other parts of the community. Marilyn selflessly moved in with her son Robert for two years to help care for her daughter-in-law Tara and family following Tara’s debilitating car crash in 2019.
Marilyn’s death marks a glorious reunion with her beloved husband of 48 years, Robert Harris “Bobby” Bennett Jr. Marilyn was also preceded in death by her parents Alvin Howard and Hermie Parrish Dees of Evergreen, brother Alvin Howard Dees Jr. of Montgomery, and Bobby’s parents Robert H. and Lenoree Shiver Bennett of Louisville. Survivors include her son Dr. Robert H. Bennett, III and his wife Tara of Eufaula, Alabama and her daughter DeAnna Bennett Goellner and her husband Christopher of Gainesville, Georgia. Marilyn had four beloved grandchildren: Anna Frances Goellner, Christopher Bennett Goellner, Robert Harris Bennett IV, and Sidney Rhodes McDonald Bennett. Survivors also include sisters-in-law Deborah Weaver Dees of Montgomery, Alabama, Lynne Bennett Givhan and husband Sam of Safford, Alabama, Beth Bennett Simpson and husband George of Birmingham, Alabama, and Carol Bennett Frederick and husband Beebe of Montgomery. Marilyn loved her many nieces and nephews and their spouses very much. Marilyn is also survived by her beloved Louisville Baptist Church family and her sweet and devoted companion puppy Ruffles.
Funeral service for Marilyn Bennett will be held at 1:30 PM on Monday, February 3rd, 2025 at Louisville Baptist Church in Louisville, Alabama with the Reverends Michael Whitman, Robert Baker, and Tim Callaway officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at noon and a graveside service will follow the church service.
Active pallbearers are Sen. Sam Houston Givhan, Matthew John King, David Bennett Givhan, Stephen Parrish Dees, Beebe R. Frederick III, Christopher Bennett Goellner, Robert Harris Bennett IV, and Sidney Rhodes McDonald Bennett. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of Louisville Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Louisville Baptist Church. The family wishes to send sincere appreciation to Inspire Hospice of Gainesville, Georgia for their exceptional care and support.
