Marilyn Ely Meinhardt, 93 of Cottondale, Florida went home to be with the Lord on April 5, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
Marilyn was born on September 10, 1932, in Washington, D.C., to Harry Kirk Ely and Virginia Gaines. She became a resident of Jackson County in 1967 after moving from Maryland and before her final illness attended Cypress Creek Community Church. Marilyn found great joy in cooking, canning and preserving the bounty of the family farm. She embraced her role as a homemaker, with a passion for sewing, decorating, creating ceramics and could turn a ‘pig’s ear into a silk purse’. Outside of the farm, she worked for several years at Cottondale Elementary School in the library and office. She was active in the Cottondale Garden Club, Band Boosters, numerous Bible studies and church activities. She and Ted opened their home to many ministers/missionaries and their families for extended stays. She cherished her family deeply, created memorable holiday traditions and above all, her walk with the Lord led her family into a deeper love for Jesus. She will be deeply missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Ted Meinhardt; son: Rodrick Paul; parents: Harry and Virginia Ely; sister: Virginia Townshend.
She is survived by her sons: Kirk Meinhardt (Teri) of Union Springs, AL, Richard Meinhardt (Sondra) of Powells Point, NC, Andy Meinhardt (Lillie) of Crawfordville, FL, Bob Owens (Carol) of New Smyrna Beach, FL; daughters: Lisa Overdorp (Lewis) of Pensacola, FL, Julie Sasscer (Chuck) of Cottondale, FL, Chrissy Jackson (Keith) of Brooksville, FL; sister: Sharon (Mike) Dial of Heathsville, VA; 32 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren.
Celebration of Life will be held 2:00pm Sunday, April 12, 2026 at The Farm 3209 Aycock Road Cottondale, Florida. Obert Funeral Home and Whispering Pines Crematory of Chipley, Florida in charge of arrangements.
