Marilyn Walton's Obituary
Marilyn Dorothie Walton, born on January 23, 1945 in Washington, D.C. to Dorothie Williams and Clarence Mills, was granted her angel wings to fly away to a place of life in eternity on October 18, 2012 in Tacoma, Washington. Marilyn graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Baltimore, Maryland and attended Maryland State College (University of Maryland-Eastern Shore) before moving to Tacoma, Washington. She was a nationally certified professional in Human Resources, and was a certified vocational education instructor for cultural diversity. She skillfully put her human resources training to good use. She was the first Human Resources Director of the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel (now Hotel Murano). She served as Assistant Vice President-Employment Manager, Peoples' National Bank, and Personnel Director, Stevens Memorial Hospital. She worked in the Governor's Office under Dan Evans as a special Assistant. In 1989 she went to work for Tacoma Public Schools as Affirmative Action Compliance Coordinator. She retired in 2006 as Assistant to the Superintendent for Equity and Diversity.
Civic engagement and community involvement allowed Marilyn to put her heart, mind, intellect and soul into her service to others in need and her community. She served as a member of the Tacoma Urban League Guild; member, Pierce County Alliance Board; member, Pierce County Civil Service Commission; member, South Sound Cultural Diversity Coalition; member, YMCA Board of Directors; and member, Nativity House Board of Directors. Marilyn was appointed to the Tacoma Community College Board of Trustees by Gov. Booth Gardner, where she served for eleven years. A carefully chosen Red Japanese Maple tree is planted in her honor on the northwest corner of the TCC campus. She loved to read mystery novels, listen to cool jazz, provide family and mental health counseling to her nieces, nephews and friends, and participate in spirited discussions of social justice issues and political affairs.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of forty years, James Walton, her brother Clarence Mills of Tacoma, Maxine Tuck of Catonsville, Maryland, godson Mark Henson of Tacoma, and numerous extended family members and cherished friends.
A celebration of Marilyn's life will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 11:00 in the Aspen Chapel, Mountain View Celebration of Life Center, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA with a reception to follow. Please consider a memorial gift in Marilyn's name to her favorite charities: Tacoma Urban League Guild; Elizabeth Wesley Youth Merit Incentive Award Program; and Tacoma Community College Foundation.
Marilyn's elegant grace, intellect, and a heart for serving others have left a legacy of unselfish giving for us to celebrate. We will miss her in our presence but will remember the moments we shared with her. Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments.
What’s your fondest memory of Marilyn?
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Share a story where Marilyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marilyn you’ll never forget.
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