Marilyn Rebecca Clark Maddox passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at her home in the Bethel Community on her beloved "Clark Hill" where her great-grandfather settled in the late 1800s.

She was born August 26, 1946 in Laurel, MS to Ralph G. and Jacqueline Black Clark of rural Sandersville, MS. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Don (Bob) Maddox; her parents, Ralph G. and Jacqueline Black Clark; her sister, Charlotte Clark Murray; her beloved grandparents, Herman G. and Ola Sims Clark and Ance and Helen Williams Black; niece, Christy Murray Johnson; and beloved aunt, Rebecca Clark Gooch.

Survivors include her son, Steve Harris of Sandersville, MS; sisters, Phyllis Clark Holder (Bobby) of Laurel, MS and Karen Clark Rasberry (Phil) of Laurel, MS; grandson, Seth Harris (Lydia) of Germantown, TN; granddaughter, Emily Harris Ramirez (Pedro) of Jonesboro, AR; and great-granddaughters, Ellie and Lily Harris.

She also leaves behind a whole host of cousins, great-nieces and nephews as well as her beloved nieces Cheryl, Kelsa and Erin and nephew Clark.

Marilyn spent most of her adult life working in Laurel, MS, a town she dearly loved.

Many Jones Countians will remember her as a manager at Shoney's, a trusted and friendly sales associate at JC Penney and later at Belk. Upon retiring, she found her dream job at the Laurel Mercantile, Co. where she welcomed visitors to Laurel from all over the USA and the world. People loved her and she made everyone she met feel special.

Marilyn was also a 1965 graduate of the last senior class at Sandersville High School.

She grew up outside of Sandersville, Mississippi where she enjoyed life with her three sisters and cousins. Like many of her generation, she loved swimming at Lake Bounds when her Aunt Becky Gooch would load the whole neighborhood up and take them swimming. She spent much time with both sets of her grandparents and loved them dearly.

Later in life, she loved the holidays with her family and spending time with them throughout the year. A lifelong music and movie fan, she loved going to the movies at the Arabian Theatre back in the day and never missed a local country music concert.

Her greatest love in life was Christ and His one New Testament church. She learned the truth of the Gospel from her husband Bob, and she was a faithful member of the Laurel Church of Christ until her health prevented her from attending services a few years ago.

She also loved the members of the Pleasant Grove Church of Christ. They were like family to her.

Marilyn was loved by many, and she will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Gooch, Clark Rasberry, Ben Napier, Jason Holder, Phil Rasberry and Kenny Lightsey.

Honorary Pall Bearers will be Kim Gooch, Bobby Holder, Frank Clark and Mark Clark.

Visitation will be held on Monday November 9, 2026 at Colonial Chapel Laurel from 10:00AM to 11:00AM. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00AM at the same location. Burial will be held at Bethel Baptist Church in Sandersville, MS. Mr. Bill Langley and Mr. Steve Lewis will officiate.