Marilyn Kay Phillips, 88, of Alpharetta passed away after a brief illness, on December 3, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on December 24, 1935, in Terre Haute, Indiana to Arthur Oliver Reinking and Sarah Henrietta (Jones) Reinking. Marilyn is survived by her beloved daughter Susan Kay Richards (James) and two cherished grandchildren, Amber and Brandon, of Canton, Georgia. She is survived by her sister, Diane Mulley (Bill), nieces Karen Waters (Bob), Pam Nelson (Scott), and nephew Bill Mulley Jr. In addition, stepchildren Jeanine Phillips Cleveland (Ben), Stephen Phillips (Kay), step daughter-in-law Jane Phillips and several step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jesse Phillips, her first husband, Edward Stephen Brotzman, and her stepson Jesse Phillips.
Marilyn spent her early years in Bettlewood, N.J. She graduated from Collingswood High School, NJ, in 1953 where she was active in many clubs including the Drum and Bugle Corps. Marilyn attended Western Maryland College, where she was a Phi Alpha Mu, then transferred to Indiana State Teachers College (now known as Indiana State University) in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she joined Alpha Omicron Pi. She graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor degree focused on Mathematics.
After graduation she returned home to New Jersey and worked in Philadelphia, PA for Curtis Publishing Company as an IBM Programmer. She often talked about how hot the offices were during the summer season, no air conditioning back then, so she would make excuses to go into the computer room which contained the huge IBM processors for air conditioning relief. In 1960 she married Edward Stephen Brotzman, Jr. They bought their first home in West Mount, New Jersey where she gave birth, in 1963, to her only daughter, Susan Richards (Brotzman).
In 1966, the family relocated to Decatur, Georgia, due to a job transfer. When her first marriage ended, she joined the organization, Parents Without Partners, and enjoyed its many activities. There she met her final love, Jesse Phillips, and they married in 1976. They built their dream house on a beautiful piece of land in what is now Milton in 1978. Once retired, Jesse and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, bowling on the Roswell Senior League, events at the Alpharetta Golden Age Club and attending Providence Baptist Church.
Her joy in her later years was spending time with her daughter, Susan and grandchildren, Amber and Brandon. The two families lived very close to each other their entire lives and were together often. Boating on Lake Lanier, eating out at restaurants, trips to Ormond Beach, Florida to enjoy the beach and water, and Harrah's to try her luck at the slot machines were some of the highlights. Marilyn also enjoyed movies, playing cards, and watching UGA college football.

Marilyn was known for her unwavering positivity and her remarkable strength in times of difficulty. She loved her family and friends fiercely and was the social butterfly at events. Her sense of humor was legendary; she was always ready with a joke. Marilyn embodied kindness and compassion, her loving spirit will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Gone from our sights but forever in our hearts.
The family will receive friends on Monday, December 16, from 1 to 3 PM at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors in Roswell, GA. Funeral services will be held immediately following in the funeral home chapel. A family only graveside services will be on December 17 in Willow Mount Cemetery, Shelbyville, TN, where Marilyn will join her husband. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marilyn's name to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital or The Salvation Army.