Marilyn Ann Lasater Childress

Marilyn Ann Lasater Childress, age 95, of Franklin, Tennessee, formerly of Savannah and Clifton passed away on July 1, 2025.

She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 25, 1930, the daughter of Nathan Elias and Cecil Edwards Lasater. She grew up in Sharon, Tennessee, on a farm raised by her Farmer/Baptist Minister Father and Mother, the oldest of five children. She made her profession of faith at age 13 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Martin, Tennessee, and lived her life as a godly woman and prayer warrior for her family.

She was united in marriage to Edward Franklin Childress, Sr. on December 9, 1951. They enjoyed 66 years of blissful marriage until his passing in 2018.

She was a graduate of Sharon High School. Early in her married life she worked in the office at Sears Roebuck, Memphis, Tennessee, before starting her family. Upon the births of her son and daughter, she transitioned to a career of housewife and mother. Upon the completion of her children’s education, she began working as the assistant to the Hardin County Mayor and then worked for many years in the Hardin County Trustee’s Office until her retirement at age 80.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Savannah for many years where she served as a Sunday School teacher, Girls Auxiliary leader and as a member of the choir. She loved music and introduced her children and nephew to piano and other musical instruments.

In her later years she lived at The Fountains of Franklin to be close to her daughter and family. Special thanks to the staff of the facility and to AccentCare Hospice for providing loving care for her.

She is survived by her son, Edward Franklin Childress, Jr. (Cindy) of Collierville, Tennessee, daughter, Charlotte Burns (Allen) of Franklin, Tennessee; grandchildren, Edward Franklin Childress, III (Becca), Jonathan Burns (Amy), her only granddaughter, Beth Ann Burns, and Bailey Childress (Keeley), along with nine beautiful great-grandchildren; one sister, Linda Bandy of San Antonio, Texas, brother-in-law, Ray Wilson of Little Rock, Arkansas, special nephew, Chuck Hornbuckle, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Randall Lasater, and her sisters, Sylvia Maat and Sue Wilson.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church, Savannah, The Darryl Worley Foundation, Inc., Savannah, Tennessee, or to the charity of your choice.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025, with burial in Memory Gardens of Hardin County.