Marlene Murphy Sharretts was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who passed away at home in Toccoa, GA surrounded by her husband and children on November 4, 2022, at age 85.
Marlene was born to Merrill, Sr., and Daisy Murphy on June 4, 1937, in Coudersport, PA, and was the younger sister of Merrill, III, and Roger F. Murphy. Her lifelong attention to detail and competitive spirit were honed during her school days in Marathon, NY, and she began channeling this passion into her work in the family business at Marathon Metal Products, and into her favorite hobby, bowling.
She met her first husband, Robert W. (Bob) Long, through family friends in Marathon. They were married November 3, 1962, and welcomed their daughter, Renee, the following year. The family business soon took them to Phoenix, AZ, where their son, Scott, was born. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to Toccoa, GA, where Merrill, Sr., had purchased interest in the Toccoa Steel Foundry, and raised their family while working at the Foundry. The family sold the Foundry in 1980, and Marlene then provided loving care to Bob during his battle with emphysema, which he lost in 1981.
Marlene began working as the assistant for Principal Buddy Smith at Stephens County High School in 1983, where she met and fell in love with Dr. Archie B. Sharretts, Jr., and they were married November 29, 1986. Among many of their shared experiences, Archie had also lost his first spouse to an extended illness, but this cloud’s silver lining gave Marlene a real-life “Brady Bunch” experience, and she lovingly welcomed Patti, Jody, Rosie, Jon, Matt, and Archie, III, into her extended family.
Marlene began as President/CEO of the Stephens-Franklin Teacher’s Federal Credit Union in 1991. Her strong attention to detail, creative mind, and passion for perfection led to the credit union being ranked No. 1 in financial performance in its category in 2002. Marlene was also named Professional of the Year for the Northeast Georgia Chapter of Georgia Credit Union Affiliates in 2001. During Marlene’s tenure, the Credit Union received numerous perfect scores during its periodic audits, expanded its Currahee Branch to include a drive-through and ATM, and added a new branch in downtown Toccoa. Marlene retired from the credit union in 2012 and enjoyed relaxing at home with Archie and sharing her love with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Marlene and Archie enjoyed countless good times together during their 36-year marriage, and were rarely, if ever, apart. Marlene loved all animals, but especially strays; she and Archie rescued and provided a loving home for many animals over the years. Their most recent rescue dog, Si-Si, was lovingly by Marlene’s side providing comfort as she passed, which was Si-Si’s way of returning the love that had been given to her over the years.
Marlene was predeceased by her parents, Merrill Murphy, Sr., and Daisy; her brothers, Merrill Murphy, Jr., and Roger Murphy; her first husband, Robert Long; and her stepdaughter, Jody Raab. She is survived by her husband, Archie, daughter, Renee Needle (Steve), son, Scott Long (Carol), and stepchildren, Patti McGuire-Romack (Greg), Rosie Miranda (Carlos), Jon Sharretts (Wanda), Matt Sharretts (Miriam), Archie Sharretts, III, sixteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Please join the family between 12:00 to 2:00 pm on Monday, November 7, 2022, at Acree-Davis Funeral Home in Toccoa, GA to share stories and pay respects to Marlene’s memory, followed by a service officiated by Methodist Associate Pastor, Rev. April Briant, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm to honor and celebrate Marlene’s life. This will be immediately followed by a procession to Stephens County Memorial Gardens for a brief interment ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating on Marlene’s behalf to the Humane Society of the United States at www.humanesociety.org, to honor her lifelong passion and activism for the welfare of animals.
Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Marlene Murphy Sharretts.
