Marilyn Billings' Obituary
Marilyn Billings was born May 31st, 1953, in Harrell, Arkansas. Marilyn is the eleventh child of twelve born to sharecroppers Jack Billings and Florence (Terry) Billings. Marilyn migrated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her mother and siblings at eight years old where she attended Siegfried Elementary. Marilyn received her formal education at Lincoln High School; she furthered her education at Cleveland Job Corps where she aspired of becoming a Mortician. She completed her training and received her Certified Nursing Assistant certification.
Marilyn spent her childhood in a God-fearing household where Sunday mornings were mornings of pressing combs and stockings to get ready for church at St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal church. When asked why at 69 years old she did not have any grey hair? Her reply was “I don’t stress or worry. I put it in Gods invisible hands and let it go.” She always took the time to read her bible and quoted scripture occasionally, keeping her grounded in her faith and her walk with the Lord. In her adult life Marilyn became a follower of the Seventh Day Adventist Church where she volunteered as a Food Pantry worker before she was promoted to Supervisor.
Marilyn worked various jobs over her lifetime; one of the ‘sweetest’ jobs she worked was for the Legendary Chocolate factory Gimbles in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a CNA she worked at various Nursing Homes in Milwaukee and the Mequon area. However, her last job brought her joy and afforded her the opportunity to converse and meet new people daily as a Beverage cashier for SafeCo Field. It was here that she was able to use her people skills and laughter that could brighten up anyone she came across.
Marilyn enjoyed many hobbies such as: assembling puzzles that she would later go on to use as wall art. She enjoyed her almost everyday conversations with her niece Betty Willis. BUT her favorite hobby was Bingo and penny slots. This is where she found solace and would spend hours at local Bingo halls and Casinos.
While working at SafeCo Field Marilyn joined the SEIU LOCAL 6 (Service Employees International Union). She marched and fought for Jobs with Justice campaign where she used her voice for the rights of herself and others.
In 1978, knowing only a brother who was stationed at Fort Lewis, Marilyn packed up her four children and moved from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. She planted roots for generations to come. The name Billings would continue to grow, and her legacy would move on. Some have used words to describe Marilyn as ‘kind’ ‘independent’ ‘strong’ ‘sweet’ ‘fierce’ and a ‘force.’ To have known Marilyn Billings is to love her or like her she will be terribly missed for everything she brought to this side of Heaven.
Marilyn Billings departed this life on November 21st, 2023, surrounded by her daughter Trista who cared for her in her last days and her son Shamar. She is preceded in death by her parents, ten brothers and sisters. Daughter Brandi Billings, Granddaughters Shambricia Clay, Yastona Warren and Ongelic Johnson and Grandson Tyrease Billings.
She leaves to cherish her memory: Brother Arthur J. Billings Sr. (Susan); Bossier City, Louisiana, Brother John L. Billings Sr. (at the time of her death whereabouts unknown), Jacqueline Billings; Milwaukee, WI, Coretta Billings; Tacoma, WA, Dewayne Billings (Lynn); Tacoma, WA, Trista Billings; Tacoma, DaJuan Smith; Tacoma, WA, Shamar Smith: Tacoma, WA, Perry Dunham Jr; Tacoma; WA and Special Niece Betty Willis; Los Angeles; CA. 16 Grandchildren, 5 Great-Grandchildren. A host of nieces and nephews.
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