of Marshall, AR
March 27, 1933 - March 1, 2024
Marilyn Mabrey Sanders was born March 27, 1933 to Guy and Hazel (Leonard) Mabrey. She passed away at Highland Court Health and Rehabilitation Center in Marshall on March 1, 2024.
Marilyn graduated from Leslie High School in 1951 and continued her education at Arkansas State Teacher's College in Conway. She married the love of her life, Kenneth Sanders, in 1953 and moved to Kansas City for Kenneth to finish his military enlistment. Marilyn and Kenneth returned to Marshall at the end of his service and Marilyn spent several years teaching at Marshall, Leslie and Snowball. She taught a multitude of grades and subjects and always spoke fondly of her years teaching. Marilyn and Kenneth took over the operation of the Ken Theatre and their love of the movie business was born. In 1966, they opened the Kenda Drive-In Theatre and for almost 40 years worked side by side in the business, watching generations of Searcy County residents ''grow up'' at the drive in. Until her retirement in 2003, Marilyn was the face of the drive-in, handing out speakers and welcoming customers at the box-office. Many Searcy County teenagers were listed in Marilyn's ''charge book'' when they didn't have enough money for a movie. After retirement, Marilyn spent most evenings in front of her picture window, watching the ''crowd come in.''
Kenneth and Marilyn were blessed with three children, Steve, Bill and Kenda; all three of which worked at the family business when needed. Marilyn was the rock of her family, always cooking, cleaning and taking care of them. She loved her kids, but the grandkids and great-grands brought special joy to her life.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her father and mother; her husband, Kenneth Sanders; a son, Steven Ray Sanders and two sisters, Wanda Lee Daniel and Carolyn Griffith. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Kay Sanders of Little Rock; daughter and son-in-law, Kenda and Todd Dearing of Marshall; four grandchildren, Kory (Kim) Sanders, Rane (Melanie) Dearing, Maggie (Josh) Jeffers and Kace (Jaden) Dearing and five great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Parker Jeffers, Jack and River Dearing and Karsyn Dearing.
Funeral services for Marilyn will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas. Visitation will be 6:00 till 8:00 PM Monday, March 4th, 2024 in the Chapel. Interment will be in East Lawn Cemetery where Marilyn will be laid to rest beside her husband, Kenneth. Pallbearers will be Kory Sanders, Rane Dearing, Kace Dearing, Josh Jeffers, Heath Massey, Doug Campbell and Jason Bradford. A special thank you to the staff at Highland Court and Laura Treat of Legacy Hospice for their care and compassion during the last few weeks.
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47 Condolence(s)
Ruthie Shooter
Monday, March 11, 2024
So sorry for your loss its never easy to say goodbye to your Mother. She an your Dad are dancing in heaven at last .No more goodbyes.Bless you all
Jeff and Linda Middleton
Friday, March 8, 2024
Somehow missed seeing this until now. So sorry to hear this. So hard losing a parent! But what a blessing to have had her close by for all these years! Prayers of comfort to all of you.
Brenda Lewis
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
I am so very sorry for your loss. Marilyn was a great lady,
Barbara A Ragland
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all.
Woody and Terin Hollis
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Nancy (Treat) Jones
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Marilyn always had a smile and a kind word to share. She had a way of making you feel special. She will be missed by all who knew her. I will keep your family in prayer during this time of sorrow as you lay her to rest. Peace be with you.
Sally Wilson
Monday, March 4, 2024
What a sweet and loving lady ??. She was my teacher in high school and I wanted to be like her ????. She lived a wonderful life and shared so much with so many?? Prayers for you all ??
SarH Kendri k
Monday, March 4, 2024
So sorry to hear about your Mom.
Prayers for you and your family.
Nathan and Bridget (Horton) Treadwell
Monday, March 4, 2024
Sending love and prayers up for you all. We know you all will miss her very much.
Earlene Loggains Carter
Monday, March 4, 2024
So sorry for your loss ??
D. L. & Peggy Adams
Monday, March 4, 2024
Marilyn will be missed. I remember seeing her at the theater when she was expecting you Kenda. She was always dressed up and looked so nice. Of course, then there is the Mabrey name that we share an interest in. We are thinking of all of you and praying and sending sympathy your way.
Mike and Peggy Harris
Monday, March 4, 2024
We are sending our deepest sympathy to all Marilyn’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jane Williams
Monday, March 4, 2024
Kenda and family,
Enjoy the precious memories. Mothers are so special. I will pray for God's comfort and peace for all of you.
Debbie (Ward) Penny
Monday, March 4, 2024
Such a sweet lady. I always thought she was so poised and pretty. Always had a smile for me. God Bless her family. Sending many hugs and prayers for you.
Janet Hubbard Rainbolt and Jeff
Monday, March 4, 2024
Bill and Kenda and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Marilyn was a very sweet and special lady. Look to God for strength at this difficult time.
Shawna Jolly-Wilbanks & Johnny Wilbanks
Sunday, March 3, 2024
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dear Mother. She was a very kind lady and I know you all will miss her very much. Her community will as well. Prayers for your family during this most difficult time. Love and hugs!
Eddie, and Kathy Morrison
Sunday, March 3, 2024
We are so sorry to hear this of Marilyn passing away . She was always so nice to everyone. We send you all our deepest sympathy, and prayers.
Edna Treat
Sunday, March 3, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family as you put your mother to rest.
Phyllis Hensley
Sunday, March 3, 2024
So very sorry for your loss. Marilyn was a kind, generous, compassionate lady. I will never forget her selling me her car and letting me pay it out monthly. No papers were ever signed.. she trusted me at my word. Praying for peace and comfort for all.
Clara Foshee
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Prayers of comfort for family, She was very loved
John Ross
Sunday, March 3, 2024
I'm sorry to hear of Marilyn's passing. All of your family is in the prayers and loved by many who's lives were touched by Marilyn over the years. May god give you comfort and strength during this time.
Ben and Judy Baker
Sunday, March 3, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Marilyn was a very special person. Always kind and smiling! Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family!
God Bless
Mitzi Baker Anthony
Sunday, March 3, 2024
I saw her smiling face many times during my youth. Prayers for comfort for the family and all who loved her.
Debbie Watts and Craig Coffey
Sunday, March 3, 2024
We are so very sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Jim and Charlsie McBride
Sunday, March 3, 2024
With our prayers and sympathy for your loss. May God grant the family peace.
Melissia Pierce
Sunday, March 3, 2024
My prayers are with Miss Marilyn's friends and family.
I remember her at the entrance since I was old enough to remember anything. She was always so nice to me, and always complimented my red hair.
Always as smile and a kind word.
Rest in God's arms, Miss Marilyn
Janita King
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Dear Sanders Family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom and Grandmother. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn her passing today and the days to come.
Leshia Jo Baxter
Saturday, March 2, 2024
She was a sweet lady and always had a smile . She will be missed .
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Saturday, March 2, 2024
We are very sorry for your loss. We have known Marilyn all our lives and her family.
David & Judy Branscum
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Marilyn and Keneth were such a beautiful part of what makes Searcy County so special. They have created a wonderful family legacy that continues to enhance our community. We extend our deepest sympathies and pray for God’s peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Buddy and Sonya Parks
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort.
Tim & Cindy Massey
Saturday, March 2, 2024
She was a such a wonderful person. We are sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with the family.
Mitzi Garrison
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Sincere condolence to the whole family . It’s always so very hard to lose a loved one.
Bethel Massey
Saturday, March 2, 2024
To the family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one.. Prayers for comfort and peace during this most difficult time.
Valorie Passmore
Saturday, March 2, 2024
So very sorry for your lose as Marilyn was such a guiding force in the family. She was always a cheerful greeter and kind graceful lady!! May she Rest In Peace with her new Heavenly body!! Prayers for the Dearing and Sanders family!!????????????
Troy & Peggy Ragland
Saturday, March 2, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Praying for God to comfort you all.
James and Jeri White
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Our deepest sympathy
Susan K Fergudon
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Well done good and faithful servant. You ran the race perfectly ! Prayers and blessings
Laura B Englsnd
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Dear Kenda and family,
What a remarkable woman your mother was. I cherish the years that I had the privilege of doing her hair. I loved her wisdom and her sense of humor. She will be sorely missed.
Thinking of you, Laura
Albert & Anna (Rainbolt) Maze
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Kenda and family, we are sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Barbara Smith
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Marilyn was a very special lady. She loved the kids and adults who came to the drive in. When I started bringing my nieces and all their buddies to the drive in, most of the time I would have 9 teenagers in my car and she always took the money for the kiddos but would not let me pay because I would bring so many of the teenagers to the show. I asked her one night why she would not take any money from me she said that if I was willing to haul those teen around to make sure they got there and back home safely that was pay enough. She is a very very special lady. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, She is a legend in Searcy County, as well as Kenneth. They are both legends and Kenda and Todd are carrying on the legacy. You and Ken are now together again. I know you both are rejoicing in heaven right now.
Sylvia House
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Such a sweet lady. So sorry for your lose. Prayers for healing of your pain.
Carla Kelley
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Bill & Kenda & family sending many prayers for the up coming days. You have wonderful memories of your family. I always remember your mother with a smile on her face. RIP.
Altis & Judy Holliman
Saturday, March 2, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers to all her family and friends.
Bruce Stewart
Saturday, March 2, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Cecila Jean Rushing- Hill
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Marylin always had a special place in my life. She and Kenneth gave me my first job. I use to make them fresh apple fruit cake for Christmas. Don’t know if they really liked it but I wouldn’t have ever know by your mom’s precious smile. Time slips away and our visits became less but I often thought of her.
Prayers of comfort and peace during this time of loss for all the family.
Rhonda Sullins Rowlett
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Praying for your family at this hard time.
Rhonda Rowlett