Marilyn Ann Whelchel Sharpley

Celebration of Life Services for long time Gainesville educator, Marilyn Ann Whelchel Sharpley will be held on Monday, November 17, 2014, 11:30 am at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 4000 Thurmond Tanner Road Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542. Rev. Dr. Emmerson Ross, pastor/officiating; Rev. Eddie Bailey, eulogist.

Visitation Young's Funeral Home Sunday, November 16, 2014, 3:00-5:00pm. Wake services 6:00-8:00 pm at Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Marilyn entered into rest on Thursday morning, November 13, 2014 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Mrs. Sharpley was born February 10th, 1953 at Hall County Hospital to the late Mr. S. V. and Mrs. Laura Mae Mosley Whelchel. The oldest of three children, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother, David H. Whelchel. She was a loving mother to her loving son, Alexander David Lee Sharpley.

Mrs. Sharpley's early education was at Green Hunter Nursery School and Fair Street Elementary School. She attended high school at E. E. Butler High School and graduated in 1971 from East Hall High School. She would continue her education at Gainesville Junior College and graduating from the University of Georgia in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Additionally, she received her master's and educational specialist degree at UGA as well as a bachelor's in theology from the International Theological Center.

Marilyn was a long time member and great supporter of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she implemented various programs and ministries. She sang in the choir for many years. In 2003, the Greeters Ministry was approved for sponsorship by Women of Mt. Zion Uniting (WMZU) under the leadership of Marilyn Sharpley. Despite her failing health, she continued to serve as Ministry Leader for WMZU offering encouragement, advice and Godly wisdom. She was presented a plaque for "Outstanding Leadership" during the 125th church anniversary in September 2014. Marilyn received the "Woman of the Year Award for Outstanding Service to You", presented by ZOA Sorority for Christian Women & Housewives League of Gainesville, Georgia. She was an arts and crafts teacher for vacation bible school for several years.

Marilyn lived her life with God, family, church and community in that order. She was the treasurer for the Mosley Grandchildren's Reunion for over 20 years. Her contribution to the 38 years of family reunion cannot be measured. As one of the Mosley grandchildren, she has embodied all of the qualities of Jessie Mariah Deforest Salmon Mosley, Laura Mae Juanita Mosley Whelchel and our founding ancestors as well as added to the legacy.

Marilyn has been a lifelong educator as a first grade elementary school teacher for 37 years in the Hall County school system (White Sulphur and Dean Meyers Elementary). She was awarded teacher of the year several times by her peers as well as recognized for countless other awards through the course of her career. Her impact did not stop with the classroom. Marilyn was constantly engaged in support of a plethora of civic organizations that benefited the city of Gainesville and surrounding areas.

Her legacy of courage and love will be forever remembered by her family, which includes her child, Alex Sharpley and Abrielle Stokes (Gainesville, Ga), her brother Cecil Whelchel (Acworth, Ga), her nephew and wife Aryan and Tonia Walton with their two children Aamari and Taren (Powder Springs, GA), special cousin Claude Welchel (Buford, Ga), Aunt Vernell Shropshire (Lafayette, Ga), Uncle A. L. Mosley (Rome, Ga) and a host of other relatives and former students whom are recipients of her great talents.

Family and friends will assemble at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, 1900 Garden Dr. Gainesville, GA 30507 at 10:30am.

Young's Funeral Home, Roger Young, Funeral Director, 1553 Old Athens Road, Gainesville, GA 30507- 770-535-8189.