Marilynn Jane Smith

Marilynn Jane Smith, 80, of Athens, GA, died on February 6, 2025. The daughter of the late Lloyd and Helen Unger, Marilynn was born in South Bend, IN, and spent her childhood in St. Joseph, MI, before eventually moving to Athens, Ga. Marilynn was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Richard Smith. Marilynn will be lovingly remembered by her two sons, Charles (Lisa) and Mike (Jennifer), by her sister, Gerry, and her brother, Alan, by her numerous nieces and nephews, and by the friends she made literally around the world.

Marilynn had a passion for books and travel. This passion led her to an early and short career as a High School English teacher and eventually as a professor in the University of Georgia’s Night School Program, where she taught Comparative Literature. She received degrees in French Language (BA and MA), Comparative Literature (PhD), and Library Studies (MLS) from Central Michigan University, the University of Illinois Urbana, and the University of South Carolina. Marilynn was best known as the librarian at the Navy Supply Corps School in Athens. A constant volunteer, Marilynn worked with Learning Ally, where she read books on tape for the blind, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, and was the president of the Oconee County branch of the Lion’s Club. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 15th, at 1:00 at Lord and Stephen’s Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 1:00. Lord and Stephen’s Funeral Home is at 1211 Jimmy Daniels Rd, Watkinsville, GA. The burial service will be on Wednesday, February 19, at 11:00 at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Learning Ally (https://learningally.org/get-involved/ways-to-give), the Jeanette Rankin Foundation (https://jeannette-rankin-foundation.networkforgood.com/projects/24615-jeannette-rankin-women-s-scholarship-fund), or to the Oconee County Lions Club (https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate). 

Lord and Stephen’s Funeral Home, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com