In Loving Memory of Marilyn Lynette Maynard, August 28, 1952 - May 22, 2014

~RILYN LYNETTE (FO~D) MA~NARD

Marilyn Lynette (Ford) Maynard made her entrance on August 28, 1952. She was the first of six children born to the union of Henry and Myrtle (Pearson) Ford. She is the granddaughter of the late Columbus and Emily (Bonner) Pearson. Marilyn was blessed to have the love of a large family where she was able to benefit from the strengths and musical talents of her mother, the undivided affections of her grandparents, and the admiration of her siblings.

Marilyn was surrounded by music at a very young age so it was only natural that she would grow to love it so dearly. Her mother and grandmother were both accomplished pianists, and Marilyn credits her mother for providing her "formal training" as a church musician. Marilyn is also the niece of the late Columbus"Duke"Pearson, Blue Note Records' jazz pianist, composer and arranger. As a member of a musical family, Marilyn began her training at an early age, studying piano at the age of five and clarinet at the age of nine.

Marilyn's service to her church began at the age of 14 when she began playing for Sunday School service at Alexander Memorial AME Church. From there, she began playing for Vacation Bible School as well as church services for Fountain Temple AME Church where she was put in charge of her first choir. Years later, she organized and founded theW. J. Rowe Chorale (youth choir) of Alexander Memorial AME Church.

She has served as pianist/director of music/interim musician for a number of other churches, including: Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Rice Memorial Presbyterian Church, Divine Faith Ministries, Butler Street CME Church, Mt. Zion AME Church, Liberty Hill AME Church (Sharpsburg), and most recently, Holly Grove AME Church (Peachtree City). She began serving as Director of Music at Greater Smith Chapel in November, 1998, and joined the Greater Smith Chapel family as a member in May of 1999.
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Marilyn grew up in the Summerhill community of Atlanta, Georgia. She attended both E. P. Johnson and Capital Avenue Elementary Schools.
r She graduated from L. J. Price High School in 1969 where she was voted
"Most Talented" among her graduating class. Marilyn attended Morris , Brown College immediately after high school, but went on to finish her Music Education degree years later at Clark Atlanta University.

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Marilyn has studied under many rwtable music instructors, including: Mrs. Marian Sykes, Mr. James (Dub) Hudson, Dr. Alfred Wyatt, Dr. Johnson Hubert, Mr. Cleopus Johnson, Mr. Mark Boozer, Mr. James Jones, Dr. Florence Crim Robinson, Dr. Thomas Hager, and Dr. Uzee Brown.
While attending Clark Atlanta University, Marilyn was named to both the
University's Dean's List as well as the National Dean's List in both her
sophomore and junior years; was listed in the publication "Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities"; and served as Collegiate President for the Georgia Chapter of the Music Educators' National Conference. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, as well as Kappa Delta Epsilon National Teachers' Honor Fraternity.
Marilyn's professional career has included employment with the IBM Corporation, where she worked as a publisher, technical writer and project manager for over 13 years. She later worked for the accounting firm of Deloitte and Touche for over 6 years where she trained the firm's partners and managers in the use of Microsoft Office products. She also served as adjunct professor to the School of Technology of Clayton College and State University.
Marilyn gained many accomplishments throughout her life but her greatest accomplishment was passing down a legacy of music, passion and excellence to everyone she touched.
Marilyn is survived by her Mother, Myrtle Pearson-Ford; son Randy Mitchell, II, his wife Shani Mitchell, their two daughters Khloe and Elan a Mitchell and Marilyn's daughter Adrienne Leak, her husband Marquis Leak and their two children Tyler and Anaya Webb. She also leaves behind her 5 siblings (Henry "Jody" Ford, Jr., Dexter Ford, Michael Ford, Gerald Ford and Faith Ford), 8 nieces and nephews (Jason Ford, Taryn and Chelsea Ford, Sonata and Jonathan Cooper, Roc Bartell, Lashonda, and Tyrone Banks), 10 great nieces and nephews (Isaiah, Jayden, Kayla, Jayden, Chase, Brooklyn, Noah & Gehan, Marleyna and Mariah).. Extended family Norma, Tony and Ara, Barbara and Sujotta, Althea, Marty and a host of other relatives and friends.
We will truly miss your honesty and your love forever. Your road has been quite the adventure. You have had many ups, downs and in-betweens but you have stayed your course. Weeping may endure for a night but JOY comes in the morning! May God bless you and forever keep you! We love you Marilyn!

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Prelude

Piano Moonlight Sonata

Processional

Biggest Part of Me

Selection

Tyler and Anaya Webb "Grandma's Hands"

Invocation

Pastor Dees

Dance

Anaya Webb I Marleyna Banks Wind Beneath my Wings

Scripture

Pator Avriels

Selection

Choir "Speak To My Heart"

Spoken Word

Tyrone Banks I Jonathan Cooper

Tributes

Family and Friends

Obituary

Please read silently

Selection

Choir "Lord You are Good"

Eulogy

Pastor Morrow

Acknowledgements

Adrienne Leak

Closing Prayer

Randy Mitchell, II

Recessional

Spread Love