Marilyn Lee Bjornas, 87, passed away Tues., Dec. 3, 2024, in Sharpsburg, Georgia. Born in Dewitt, Iowa and a resident of Newnan, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Virtus Merrill Benson and Gladys Benson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Richard Steven Bjornas.
Marilyn was a beautician by trade and provided daycare in her home. She was most proud of being a homemaker and raising her three children. She enjoyed singing in the choir at Bay Minette First Presbyterian Church, where she had been a member for over 30 years. She loved to travel, with Alaska being one of her favorite trips and a family cruise being another. Golfing was one of her favorite pastimes. Her hobbies included making and painting ceramics, crafts, playing cards, and watching and feeding hummingbirds. She enjoyed late-night talks, playing slot machines, and any type of animal, but especially cats and dogs.
She is survived by her children, Debra Jean (Roy) Holton of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, Richard Steven (Joan) Bjornas, Jr. of Sharpsburg, Georgia, and Denise Lynn (David) Smith, of Camp Point, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Tammy (Harry Streich) Crady, Jason (Shakeisha) Gray, Michelle (Bryant) Malaski, Mathew (Petra) Bjornas, Andrew Bjornas, Isaac (Brittany) Smith, Rebecca (Ben) Askew, Jacob Smith, and Joseph Smith; fifteen great-grandchildren, Jazmyne (Devin Wood) Crady, Lillian Crady, Charlie VanAmburg, Austin VanAmburg, Zane Gray, Gage Gray, Griffin Gray, Ellie Malaski, Anna Malaski, Jadon Smith, Alexandra Askew, Jonathan Askew, Emma Rose Askew, Nikolai Smith, and Barrett Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Freyja Wood and Phoenix Crady-Pelletier.
The family will receive friends on Sat., Dec. 14, 2024, from 3 – 4 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, Sharpsburg, Georgia. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m.
A memorial service will be held on Jan. 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, Bay Minette, AL. Interment will follow at 2:00 pm at Blakely Veterans Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to North Baldwin Animal Shelter, 1700 McMeans Ave., Bay Minette, AL. To express condolences, please visit www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580
