Marlene L. Brown, born on September 14, 1931, passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on December 27, 2025.

Marlene was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her children, Daniel Barton, Loy Barton, Jeannine Cherry, Alicia Stignani, and Jason Brown; her grandchildren Eric Barton, Jennifer Schmalz, Kevin Cherry, Alex Barton,  Rachel Stignani, and Sophia Stignani; and her cherished great-grandchildren Addison  Barton, Christopher Cherry, Eden Schmalz, Tate Schmalz, Noah Stignani, and Wren Stignani  Ray. She is preceded in death by her grandson, Taylor Barton.

Marlene worked for many years at Arrow Shirt Company and later at Atlanta Structural Concrete. She lived in Powder Springs, Georgia, for more than 30 years before retiring to Ellijay, Georgia, where she continued to live her life with grace and energy.

Grounded in her Christian faith, Marlene was deeply involved in her church community, Ellijay First United Methodist Church, and devoted over 20 years to volunteering at Faith, Hope, and Charity, where her compassion touched countless lives.

Marlene had a wonderful sense of humor and loved sharing a good laugh with friends and family. She had an adventurous spirit and a passion for travel, enjoying trips to Aruba, Costa Rica, Alaska, Europe, and Hawaii. Her favorite saying was, "I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings." She was also a skilled DIY enthusiast who enjoyed small home repairs and sewing many of her own clothes, as well as those of her family, including her daughter's wedding gown. She loved to play Scrabble and was the best at it.

As an animal lover, Marlene had a special fondness for cats, particularly her beloved cat,  Hope. She also enjoyed watching Pit Bulls and Parolees, Fox News, and Gunsmoke. She will be remembered for her strong will, her kindness, and her zest for life.

The family will receive friends at the Bernhardt Funeral Home on Saturday, January 3rd, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Donations in her name can be made to Ellijay First United Methodist Church at 75 McCutchen Street, Ellijay, GA 30540, in memory of Mrs. Marlene Brown.

Marlene's legacy of love, adventure, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is entrusted with these arrangements.