After more than 84 years of enjoying a beautiful life, Marilyn Elaine Thomas passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.
Marilyn was born into a joyful and energetic family in Kansas City, Kan., in 1937. She brought great joy to her parents, Martha Ann Roberts Sanders and Gaston Sanders. Marilyn, sister Martha Ann and brother Gaston III grew up in Detroit, where their parents taught in the public school system, which sparked young Marilyn’s interest in education.
Growing up, Marilyn was actively involved in summer sports, field hockey and swimming. She was proud to pursue her college career at Michigan State, where she joined her beloved roommates, AKA sorority sisters and lifelong friends, Shirley Northcross and Carolyn Stevens. Upon graduation from Michigan State, she initiated her lifelong pursuit in education as a young teacher in the school system.