Marilyn Lee Bjornas

Marilyn Lee Bjornas, 87, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in Sharpsburg, GA. Born in Dewitt, IA and a resident of Newnan, GA, she was the daughter of the late Virtus Merrill Benson and Gladys Benson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Richard Steven Bjornas. Marilyn was a beautician by trade and also provided daycare in her home. She was most proud of being a homemaker and raising her three children. She enjoyed singing in the choir at Bay Minette First Presbyterian Church, where she had been a member for over 30 years. She loved to travel, with Alaska being one of her favorite trips and a family cruise being another. Golfing was one of her favorite pastimes. Her hobbies included making and painting ceramics, crafts, playing cards, and watching and feeding hummingbirds. She enjoyed late-night talks, playing slot machines, and any type of animal, but especially cats and dogs. She is survived by her children, Debra Jean (Roy) Holton of Pilot Mountain, NC, Richard Steven (Joan) Bjornas, Jr. of Sharpsburg, GA, and Denise Lynn (David) Smith, of Camp Point, IL; nine grandchildren, Tammy (Harry Streich) Crady, Jason (Shakeisha) Gray, Michelle (Bryant) Malaski, Mathew (Petra) Bjornas, Andrew Bjornas, Isaac (Brittany) Smith, Rebecca (Ben) Askew, Jacob Smith, and Joseph Smith; fifteen great-grandchildren, Jazmyne (Devin Wood) Crady, Lillian Crady, Charlie VanAmburg, Austin VanAmburg, Zane Gray, Gage Gray, Griffin Gray, Ellie Malaski, Anna Malaski, Jadon Smith, Alexandra Askew, Jonathan Askew, Emma Rose Askew, Nikolai Smith, and Barrett Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Freyja Wood and Phoenix Crady-Pelletier. She also leaves behind her only sibling, her sister, Carol Chalgren of Macon, MO. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 3 - 4 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, Sharpsburg, GA. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm. A memorial service will be held on January 6, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Bay Minette, AL. Interment will follow at 2:00 pm at Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to North Baldwin Animal Shelter, 1700 McMeans Ave., Bay Minette, AL. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580

Marilyn Lee Bjornas

August 25, 1937 - December 3, 2024