Marilyn Frederick Meek Barnard passed from this life Saturday, April 12th. She had a full and wonderful life, truly enjoyed people and new experiences, and was a competitive, courageous and caring individual. By nature, she chose to see the best in people, and had the good sense to devote her energy and efforts to only matters where she could have an impact.

She had a great start, growing up in Charleston, Mississippi, with a large, loving family, and relishing the friendships and experiences throughout public school and Delta State College. She had fun at everything, and made lasting friendships with the Big and Little Pams and people like them in this close community.
Teaching young children brought her great joy, and throughout her 18 year career, she learned life lessons and made more friends that helped develop her unique perspective on life. During this time, she was introduced to organization that made the biggest impact on her life, the Jaycees. Her mentors and friends brought her out of her shell and developed her leadership skills. She treasured the experiences and friends she made during her travel through the opportunities offered by this organization. From haunted houses, telethons, G-Force, "Fire and Ice", and leading the Georgia Jaycees to a number one finish in the Parade of States, the Jaycee experience truly performed its magic on Marilyn.

She became a Disney fanatic, knowing Tinkerbell on a first name basis, and spending many a day immersed in the unique atmosphere of Disney World. She discovered the wonder of Florida State University athletics and adopted the Nole life. Although she had a lingering attachment to Ole Miss and anyone named Manning, she was a life-time Booster and member of the Coaches Club for baseball, softball, volleyball, women's basketball, and soccer. Football was her favorite, and she attended many home and away games and every bowl game starting with the 1999 National Championship in New Orleans. Go Noles!

We, her family, thank each of you for your part in making Marilyn the special person she was. Marilyn, we miss you.