Marilyn Gibson Birdwell passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2013, age 87, after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Grand Island Nebraska, but her family moved to Elizabethton, Tennessee when she was five years of age. She was the daughter of James Bingham Gibson and Stella Henke Gibson. Marilyn was a graduate of Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee and Duke University. While studying Fine Arts at Duke, she also danced on the Duke Modern Dance Team and had the opportunity to dance with the traveling New York Dance troupe. After marrying James Edwin Birdwell, Jr., they lived in Nashville, Tennessee until Ed was called up again in the Navy. At that point, they moved to the Middle East and then to Europe. Upon their return to the States, Marilyn started teaching again while in Virginia Beach, Va. After moving to Clinton, TN, in 1974, Marilyn was involved with her church, United Memorial Methodist Church, having served many years on the Alter Guild and with the UMW group. She was also very active outside of church, participating in the Timely Topics, The Garden Club, and The Wednesday Club. She picked up tennis later in life and was active at the Cedar Bluff Racquet Club. All who knew Marilyn, knew she was a competitor. Marilyn also loved to play bridge and was active in several groups.

She is survived by her sister Margie Van Huss and three children: James Edwin Birdwell, lll (Kim), Amy Birdwell Phillips (Barry), and Todd Gibson Birdwell (Becky). Also, she is survived by eight grandchildren: James Nicholas Birdwell, Alexander Kraft Birdwell, Candace Phillips Claytor (Ross), Brent Alexander Phillips, Lauren Nicole Phillips, Andrew Gibson Birdwell, McKenzie Rhea Birdwell, and Morgan Joseph Birdwell and one great-grandaughter, Avery Ann Birdwell.

The Family wishes to send a special thank you to all the people at Tennova Residential Hospice who made mom's final months special.

The family will receive friends from 11:00am Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Memorial United Methodist Church, Clinton, Tennessee with the Celebration of Life service following at 1:00pm. The Rev. Laurence Hesser and Chaplain Phil Groos, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please give to the American Lung Association, 1466 Riverside Dr. Suite D, Chattanooga, TN. 37406. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com