MARILYN MILLER MEANS, 88
Polk County School Board
LAKELAND - Marilyn Means passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 16, 2011 due to
complications related to a fall in November 2011.
Born in Lakeland, FL, on January 31, 1923, to Alva Leland and F. Esther Miller, Marilyn graduated from Lakeland High School in 1941. She maintained lifelong contact with her classmates and enjoyed attending the Class of '41 luncheons every month until recently. After high school and prior to starting their family in 1950, she was the dental assistant for Dr. Stuart Roux. She retired from Polk County School Board after 25 years as secretary at Griffin Elementary School where her aunt, Donna Harris, was principal Marilyn was a devoted, loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and a dear friend to many. She was very proud to have
been on the "cradle roll" at Myrtle Street Methodist Church, which later became Wesley Memorial Methodist Church. She remained a member of Wesley her entire life. She attended First United Methodist Church in Lakeland after Wesley Memorial ceased services. She was an excellent seamstress and perfectionist in all that she undertook. She raised her children with the belief that "anything worth doing, is worth doing right". She was extremely proud that both children chose medical career paths. Her children and grandchildren were always her favorite topic and her most gratifying accomplishments.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 43 years Robert David Means, her brothers James Walter Miller and Alva Leland (Pinky) Miller, and her great niece Caroline Starratt Park. She is survived by her son Michael David Means (Gwen), Indian Harbour Beach; her daughter Jane Ann Nolte-Wiener (Michael), Auburndale; grandchildren Morgan Elizabeth Means, Zachary David Means, Richard E. (Ren) Nolte (Nicole), and Jenna Nolte Sutton (Jason); great- grandchildren Conor Caiden Nolte, Jillian Jane Sutton, and Molly Caroline Nolte; nieces Janet Miller Starratt (Dale Bush) and Marsha Miller Kevitch (Mike), and her close friend Jim Dry.
Visitation will be today (Dec. 18, 2011) from 2-3 p.m. at Gentry-Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Rd., Lakeland. Services will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Southside Chapel.
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