Marilyn Ann Golden

In everything she did, Marilyn A. Golden lived to love and serve others. Guided by an unwavering faith, she was never one to worry about the things of this world, rather, her focus was on those around her first and foremost. Marilyn was a loving wife and devoted mother who just may have argued that nothing was better than being a grandmother to the three grandchildren who were her greatest source of pride and joy. Those who knew her were well aware that Marilyn was not one to sugar coat things, and she never shied away from speaking her mind. Life will never be the same without Marilyn here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be proudly carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

It seems only fitting that Marilyn’s journey began during a time that was as colorful as she was. It was the 1950s when shows like Father Knows Best changed how we saw the American family while James Dean made young girls swoon on the silver screen and Elvis was king. By the end of the decade, we welcomed Alaska and Hawaii into the union as our 49th and 50th states. It was also as the decade was drawing to a close that Nelson and Rebecca (Mayfield) Nunn were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the calendar turned to welcome the year 1959. It was on January 2nd that the baby girl they named Marilyn Ann was born in Racine, Wisconsin. She was the youngest of twelve children and was raised alongside her siblings, Annie, Pauline, James, Dorothy, Shirley, Robbie, Billie, Jacquline, Bobby, Michael, and Sandra. Marilyn’s father worked as an iron tester at Consumer Steel while her mother was a busy homemaker.

In many ways, Marilyn was a young girl of her generation. She enjoyed things like softball, basketball, bowling, and traveling as well as going to parties as she got a bit older. Marilyn also took care of her mother. She attended local schools and graduated from William Horlick High School. Right after graduation, Marilyn began working Rainfair.

Throughout her life Marilyn was known for her strong work ethic. She spent 15 years at Rainfair, and she then spent 15 years working at Ametek. In addition, Marilyn worked part-time for SC Johnson, and she had currently been working at Cree and Lakeview Specialty Rehab until her health no longer allowed. While at Lakeview, she became very close with majority of her co-workers. In fact, they even called her momma!

Not to be forgotten during her years as a young woman was Marilyn’s introduction to the young man of her dreams. His name was Wardell Golden, and they quickly fell deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, they were united in holy matrimony. Together they were blessed with the births of two children, Toccara and Tavares. Marilyn loved spending time with her family, doing all kinds of things like going to the movies, shopping, or getting together for family gatherings. Thanksgiving was always a special time as the whole family got together, which gave her so much to be thankful for. Christmas was also a memorable time, and there was nothing that gave her more joy than watching her three grandchildren, Ah’Niyah Tavares Jr., and Karter open up and delight in all their presents. Priceless memories were also made when she went to Maryland for her nephew’s graduation as well as traveling to Augusta, Georgia, to visit her niece and nephew. Marilyn had a special place in her heart for dogs and was looking forward to the arrival of the new dog. She always encouraged her children and oldest grandchild to become independent, reminding them that she wouldn’t be here on the earth forever.

In addition to caring for her family and working hard in the workplace, Marilyn kept busy with other things as well. She was a devoted member of Searching Together Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the usher board until her health demanded that she slow down. Marilyn loved all gospel music as well as all of Tyler Perry’s movies and Sunday’s best Lifetime movies.

All who knew Marilyn Golden would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was content in whatever life brought and known for saying, “If Lord doesn’t do anything else for me, He’s done enough.” Marilyn was outspoken and always told others how she felt while at the same time, she kept private matters to herself and didn’t want anyone worrying about her business. She loved to joke around with others and was always concerned about those around her, even when she was nearing the end of her life. Deeply devoted to her family, it was easy to see that Marilyn treasured her loved ones. She will never be forgotten.

Marilyn Golden died on Monday, October 5, 2015. Marilyn’s family includes her husband, Wardell Golden of Racine; two children, Toccara and Tavares Golden of Racine; three grandchildren, Ah’Niyah, Tavares Jr., and Karter Golden of Racine; godchildren, DeSario Turner, ShaQueta Streeter, Brittany Booker, Symone Nicks, all of Racine, and Courtney Lofton of Augusta, GA; mother-in-law, Annie Golden of Racine WI; five sisters, Dorothy and Shirley Nunn, Robbie Shaw, Sandra (Mark) Lyons, God sister, Yvonne Smith of Lexington KY; two brothers, Bobbie and Michael Nunn of Racine; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Norman (Theresa) Golden of Hawthorne CA, Larry (Aredda) Golden of Fort Worth, TX, Joe (Paris) Golden of Clarksville, MD, Dorothy Greer of Milwaukee, WI, Pammi Nunn of Oxnard, CA, Vanessa Nunn of Jonesboro, GA; aunt, Mittie Mayfield of Racine; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends; special nieces and nephews, Andrenetta (Angie) Nunn, Corey McDougal, Steven Chatman, Corey and Sandricka Lofton, Darius Nunn, and Calvin Greer; also special friends, Julia Martin, Willie Mae Goines, Alice Malone, Kendra Nicks; special cousins, Johnnie Pierce and Terrilyn Hill. In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by siblings, Annie Louise Majors, Pauline Brooks, Donnie Nunn, Billy Nunn, Jackalin Nunn; nephew Marvin Nunn; father-in-law, Nathaniel Golden; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Calvin Greer, and Linda Knight. A Home Going Celebration will be held Monday, October 19, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at Searching Together Baptist Church, 825 21st Street, Minister Johnny Ford officiating, assisted by Rev. Willie Riley. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday at the funeral home 4-7 p.m. and on Monday at the church 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Arrangements provided by MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME, 803 MAIN ST RACINE, WI 53403, (262) 634-7888. Please send condolences to www.meredithfuneralhome.com.