MARILYN HOOTEN

July 4, 1935 - April 20, 2021

PERRY – Marilyn Rebecca Parrish Hooten, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, after complications with a long battle with COPD. The Lord Jesus and Raymond met her at the pearly gates with two fishing poles. Services will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021, at First Baptist Church of Perry with the Visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the Funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Perry Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Music Ministry, First Baptist Church of Perry, 1105 Main Street, Perry, GA 31069. Marilyn was born July 4, 1935, in Anniston, Alabama, to the late Marie Hurst Parrish and the late Charles Calvin Parrish. She was an only child, but had many cousins to enjoy through the years. She met the love of her life, Raymond Hooten, after her third year of college at Florida State University, and the couple married on December 21, 1952, in Florala, Alabama. Marilyn was a “domestic engineer,” constantly striving to create a loving and inviting home in which to raise their three daughters. She lived a simple and humble life glorifying God and was a wonderful example of a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother for her children and grandchildren. Marilyn enjoyed reading, listening to music, spending time at Seagrove Beach, Florida, and playing the piano. A pianist most of her life, she became a master pianist through the years. Often in the spring or fall, when the windows were open, neighbors could hear Marilyn practicing piano and delighting in the talent God had given her. Not only did she play piano for pleasure, she was invited and honored to play at holidays, special community and church events, and at various “once-in-a-lifetime” events for many people. Marilyn also taught piano to many students, young and old, alike, and encouraged them to use and develop their musical talents. She enjoyed playing every Sunday at Shurlington Baptist Church in Macon and, later in life, at First Baptist Church in Perry. She was a member of the Piano Duet Club and thoroughly enjoyed her time with them. In 2001, Marilyn retired as church pianist to care for her beloved husband, Raymond, as his health was worsening. Marilyn must have smiled as she heard her Savior say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Well Done.” Left to cherish the memories they made with Marilyn are her daughters, Becky Millar and Debby Berrie (Darron), both of Perry, and Martha Marie Underwood (Welton) of Cataula; her grandchildren, Sarah Rothstein (Ian), Ryan Millar (Cathleen), Rachel Tidwell, Audra Wade (Trent), Aldan Berrie (Ashley), and Kyle Hooten; fifteen great-grandchildren; and several cousins including Gloria Simmons, Margaret Ann Collins, and Vera Bess Tillet. Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of fifty years, Raymond Hooten; and a grandson, Wade Berrie. Special “Thank You!” from the family to Kindred Hospice; the employees of LifeSpring Church Home; and Dr. Lomboy and his staff. Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.