Marilyn L. (McMillan) Marshall was born on October 15, 1941 in New York City. She departed this life on her jubilation journey on Wednesday November 11, 2015. She was the older of two daughters of the late Rev. William C and Esther Frances Groce McMillian. Marilyn was educated in New York City Public School #6. She started singing at the age of three years old, and began playing piano by ear, at the age of six. She later took piano lessons which according to her music instructor could not last too long because she was playing unusual chord changes better than the music teacher. Marilyn liked to write poems and soon wrote lyrics to melodies she composed. She played piano, organ and upright bass. In addition to music Marilyn enjoyed sports including baseball and basketball.

Her father Rev. William C. McMillian was assigned to Bethel AME Church in Shelley Bay Bermuda. It was there that Marilyn continued singing with her sister Marie on the radio every Sunday on station ZBM. She continued her studies at Harrington Sound School System in Bermuda before returning to the United States in 1952. Marilyn and family soon relocated to New Jersey. She is a graduate of Moorestown High School where she first met her husband Alonzo. They were married on April 18, 1959. Marilyn went to work for R.C.A in Moorestown for nine years. She attended Burlington County College, Glassboro State College / Rowan University, and Walden University where she received her Master's and Doctorate in Education. She graduated cum laude.

Her career as a professional musician began in the fall of 1965. Marilyn was the lead vocalist for a variety of acts first touring the Military bases as well as the Jersey shore circuit in the 1970's. In addition to singing, her instrument of choice was the legendary Hammond B-3 Organ which had to be raised with ropes and pulleys for traditional beach front roof-top concerts of that era. She was a featured vocalist for the Count Basie Orchestra. Marilyn worked at the famous Club Harlem in Atlantic City opening for James Brown, Al Green, and Junior Walker and the All-Stars to name a few. She has toured as a Recording Artist and musician locally, nationally and internationally.

She is a veteran of stage and television and received "Entertainer of The Year" honors three years in a row in her home county of Burlington, NJ and Bucks County PA. Marilyn previously won the title of Mrs. New Jersey 50's at Caesars Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. In 2001 Marilyn received a New Jersey State Senate Proclamation honoring her 35 years of Entertainment. She was also awarded for her charitable Works with proclamations from the Mayor of her hometown of Willingboro NJ, and from the City of Philadelphia. Marilyn received a Letter of Merit for her humanitarian efforts from the Toronto City Council in Canada. The Delaware Valley Chapter of the NAACP awarded Ms. Marilyn Marshall the 2003 Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic contributions to the community and her innovative teaching strategies in the classroom. She worked for more than 35 years in Education as a teacher and administrator in Willingboro, Burlington Township, and Atco New Jersey school districts. She organized the first ethnic studies Program on the Middle school level in Burlington Township. She was the Program Director for the Fine Arts Program at Hawthorne Park School in Willingboro for over ten years. Marilyn was twice honored as Teacher of The Year in the Willingboro School District.

Ms. Marilyn's simultaneous career as an educator, musician and vocalist includes serving as composer and producer for her Independent CD releases "Just Us Two", "Hold On" and "Reflections. She performs R&B, Jazz, Gospel, Blues and Soulful Club Music. Marilyn's Dance Music Single "Let's Stay Together was popular in Night Clubs across the U.S. She entertained to "standing room only" audiences at Atlantis Hotel and Casino in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Marilyn performed at the very first Willingboro Jazz Festival in the 1970's and in 2008 sharing the stage with Jazz legends Spyro Gyra.

Ms. Marilyn Marshall's charitable efforts include organizing and performing for the first benefit concert for the Damon Harris Cancer Foundation; honoring the former Temptations lead singer who stricken with the illness. She has also served as chairperson for benefits Concerts for the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, 2002; and the Bill Deal Cystic Fibrosis Fund, 2003. She is a founding member of Hold On To Education Foundation. She donated proceeds from her album projects to support the Foundation's student scholarships and services. Marilyn is the Hold On To Education Foundation's first Program Director having held the position for nearly ten years. She was also a board member for the Gloucester County family Advisory Board for Mental Health.

In 2013 Marilyn was a guest presenter at the Inaugural Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame Awards held in Cleveland, Ohio. She has performed on shows with The Delfonics, The Intruders, Richard Street of The Temptations, G.C. Cameron of The Spinners, Gil Saunders of The Blue Notes, and a host of Motown, R&B and Jazz recording stars. In May 2015 she celebrated 50 Years In Music. Marilyn was honored as a musician, educator and humanitarian receiving a Golden Mic Award on October 9, 2015 from the Global Entertainment Media Arts Foundation.

Marilyn was the organist for Bethel A.M.E. church Moorestown NJ (1989-1993) under then Pastor and colleague, Rev. Vernal Simms. She was also the director of their New Generation Youth Choir. Marilyn served as the organist and choir director for Union AME Church in Allentown New Jersey praising the Lord there for 21 years. Her music is a reflection of her spirit and love of God.

Her Philosophy: "Treat and love others as precious gifts from God and they will find it natural to respect you and love you in return. Reach out and Touch Somebody's hand."

"As I travel my Jubilant Journey Home I leave to cherish sweet memories:
My beloved and trusted Friend and Husband Alonzo; sons Kevyn Marshall (wife Jennifer), Kerry, Timothy, and Keenan. Three grandchildren, Philip, Jessica, and Christopher; two great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends."

Funeral service will be held 1pm on Saturday, November 21st at the Union A.M.E. Church, 72 Church St. Allentown. Interment will follow in Princeton Memorial Park, Robbinsville. Family and friends may call Saturday from 12pm until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hold On To Education Foundation, Inc. PO Box 54, Willingboro, NJ 08046. Arrangements under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown.