Marilyn Diane Petty, born on September 16, 1952, in Birmingham, Alabama, entered eternal rest on December 19, 2024, at her home in Hayden, Alabama. She was a remarkable woman whose life was characterized by love, resilience, and a deep commitment to her family and friends.

The daughter of Charles Littlejohn and Betty (Carter) Littlejohn Waldrop, Marilyn was known for her kind heart and unwavering spirit. Throughout her life, she embraced every moment with warmth and positivity. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her son, William (Tommy) Johnson, Jr., whose memory she cherished deeply.

Marilyn shared 27 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Robert A. Petty. Their bond was a testament to love and partnership, filled with cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew them. Together, they created a home that radiated warmth and kindness, welcoming everyone who crossed their threshold.

Marilyn's legacy continues through her loving daughter, Nealy Ann Holt, and her cherished grandchildren: Kristen Gantt (Shane), Travis Walker (Ashlyn), and Brayden Collins. She found immeasurable joy in her role as a grandmother, and her great-grandchildren, Rowan James, Emery Claire, and Willow Grace Gantt, were the light of her life. Marilyn formed close relationships with her family, including her sisters, Charlene Vinson (Johnny), Christy Thomas (Jim), and Cheri Bolinger, with whom she shared countless memories and laughter.

Marilyn was also surrounded by a wide circle of family and friends, including her mother-in-law, Sharon (Michie) Petty, who held a special place in her heart. The love and support of her many family members and friends provided her with strength throughout her life, and she deeply appreciated each one.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any Dementia Foundation, reflecting Marilyn's compassionate spirit and her desire to help others facing similar challenges.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor Marilyn's incredible journey and the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her. As we remember Marilyn, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, laughter, and an unyielding spirit that will forever inspire us. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten, living on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her.

Blount County/Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.