Marilyn Teaff Barton

Marilyn Teaff Barton, 76, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on July 15 th , 2024 as a result of an unexpected stroke days earlier. At the time, she was preparing to celebrate her 55 th anniversary with the love of her life, Terry. Marilyn was born in Morton, Texas on April 2 nd , 1948 and grew up on a farm near Abernathy where she was classmates with her future husband. While studying English at Texas Tech University, she married Terry in 1969. After a few years teaching in Corpus Christi, in 1973 she moved to Marietta where she earned a Masters in Education from Georgia State University and taught at Sprayberry High School. She also lived in Ireland, France, and Belgium, leaving teaching in 1990 to devote herself to being a full-time mother. Marilyn was someone who made friends easily and kept them for life, always as the person who would be there when needed. She enjoyed waterskiing and tennis, winning numerous ALTA tournaments. Marilyn also had a passion for traveling, visiting Greece, Alaska, Thailand, and many places between, planning meticulously but taking joy in unexpected adventure. Whenever presented with a challenge, soon would be heard from Marilyn: “I had an idea!” She was a deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, a leader in Stephen Ministry, and the president of Compassionate Friends of Marietta. She was in three book clubs, led a bible study small group, and volunteered at Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity. She brought people together, staying in touch with old friends, and once hosted 57 family members at her house for Thanksgiving. Marilyn’s goal in life was that her grandchildren “know unconditional love.” She would get on the floor to play with each of her six grandchildren, Samantha, Hannah, Gideon, Sadie, Benjamin, and James, and planned each a week-long personalized “Nana Camp” at her house. Marilyn was predeceased by her parents, Archie and Louise Teaff, her sister Darlene Donnelly, and her children Scott and Sarah. She is survived by her husband Terry, her children Brett Barton and Rachel Barton-Stowell, their spouses Mari and Cameron, her siblings Marshall Teaff, Francis Thompson, and Cindy Lancaster, her six grandchildren, and many family and friends who miss her larger-than-life personality, endless optimism, and boundless love. There will be visitation at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home on July 18 from 5-7p, and the service is July 19th at 2p at First Presbyterian Church, Marietta and livestreamed from the FPC website. The family requests any donations go to the Scott D. Barton Scholarship at the Marietta Schools Foundation. https://mariettaschoolsfoundation.com/endowments-scholarships/barton-scholarship/

Marilyn Teaff Barton

April 2, 1948 - July 15, 2024