Marilyn Ruth Coker

Marilyn Ruth Coker

January 16, 1954 - March 5, 2025

In the early morning of March 5, 2025, Marilyn passed away peacefully at her home in Clinton Township, Michigan surrounded by loved ones. She had recently celebrated her 71st birthday.

Marilyn was born on January 16, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, to RB and Lillian Coker. She took great pride in her career in the food service industry, delighting customers with her delicious handmade meals over the years. Beyond cooking, Marilyn cherished time spent with family and friends. Her apartment often became the heart of the community, where neighbors gathered to watch movies or cheer on their favorite wrestlers every Monday night. She found joy in sharing her daughter Heather’s love of Disney and supporting her son’s passion for photography. In her younger years, she created lasting memories with her family through their shared love of auto racing, especially at Mt. Clemens Racetrack.

Marilyn faced multiple health challenges throughout her life, including her first battle with breast cancer in 1980 and a second in 2008. Despite these hardships, she remained unwavering in her strength and determination, refusing to let cancer rule her life. In the end, Marilyn emerged victorious, passing away from causes unrelated to the disease. She was truly a survivor.

Marilyn is survived by her loving children, Heather (Jason) and Michael (Rosalyne), and her grandson, Luke. She also leaves behind her dear friend and life partner, Ernest, along with the many residents of her senior living community in Clinton Township, who became like family to her. She is also survived by her brother’s wife Kate (Jim) and their children. Marilyn was preceded in death by her former spouse, Big Mike, her grandson Timothy, her brothers Richard, Jim (Kate), and Lenny (Rosa), her parents, RB and Lillian and her in laws Kathy, Greg, Helen and Leonard.

Marilyn wished to be cremated. Her children, and their spouses, will be carrying out her final request to have her ashes scattered in the warm ocean waters of the Bahamas.

Please share a memory with the family here on Marilyn's obituary page guestbook.