Marilyn Jane Dellinger

Marilyn Jane Scarborough Dellinger entered the gates of her heavenly home into the arms of her Lord and Savior on August 24, 2025. Born in Lexington, GA on August 31, 1941, she was the oldest daughter of O. D. and Marie Bryant Scarborough.

Jane spent much of her younger years in Lexington. She lived briefly with her family in Savannah and Marietta while her father worked as an electronics specialist in the shipyard and installed radar during World War II. Jane attended Meson Academy and graduated from Oglethorpe County High School in 1959. Her senior classmates voted her “Best Dressed.” Jane attended The University of Georgia, a tradition that her family is continuing.

On June 24, 1961, Jane married her high school sweetheart, Jere Leroy Dellinger at Lexington Baptist Church. Through a span of 64 years, they welcomed and raised four sons, Charles David (Faith), Christopher Brent (Laura), Bryan James (Alicia), and Eric Paul (Angie). Jane always considered and loved her daughters-in-law as her own daughters. Through God’s grace and blessings, He bestowed upon the family six precious grandchildren, Brent Lane (Morgan), Riley Kate, Addielyn Mackenzie, Aidan Matthew, Chloe Ann, and Andee Claire.

Jane was a faithful and devoted wife to Jere for 64 years. If you saw one, you saw the other. Together, they had a passion for gardening, whether it be vegetables or flowers. They spent many summers in the kitchen canning their harvest.

Jane loved her four sons dearly. Whether she was making up stories for them, caring for baby animals they would bring home, serving as a den mother for cub scouts, cooking their favorite dishes, or on her knees praying for them, she was a devoted mother.

Jane was affectionately known as, “Mimi” to her grandchildren. She loved and adored them, as they were the “highlight of her life” and the “apple of her eye.” The grandchildren looked forward to treasure hunts, crafts, games, and after school play time with Mimi.

Thrilled to have her family visit, Jane would always want you to sit and visit for a while. When you would get ready to leave, she always would say, “let me get a hug.” This gesture was followed by, “I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

Despite the beautiful family Jane helped build, most importantly, Jane was a devout Christian, accepting Jesus as her Savior at the age of 11. She lived her life by example with incredible patience, the ability to choose her words wisely, offering her wisdom, performing acts of kindness, and joyfully sharing the word of God. As a lifelong member of Lexington Baptist Church, in her younger years, she was active in the choir, various ministries, witnessing, and Bible school when her children were growing up. Through her life, Jane’s faith never wavered. She never hesitated to share the word of God with others through conversations, life lessons, Christian tracts, or puppetry and clown ministry.

Jane was a talented artist skilled in oil, water color, and acrylic paints. She was known for her glass paintings and egg shell artwork. Jane loved crafting and her patience provided her with a skilled hand when it came to tedious projects.

As her illness progressed, Jane accepted reality because she knew that ultimately, her home was not here in this world, but in heaven where she spent a lifetime storing her treasures. Jane’s legacy lives through her family.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, O. D. and Marie Bryant Scarborough. She is survived by her spouse, Jere, sons and daughters-in-law, David and Faith, Crawford, Chris and Laura, Arnoldsville, Bryan and Alicia, Arnoldsville, Eric and Angie, Winterville, grandchildren, Brent and Morgan, Riley, Addie, Aidan, Chloe, and Andee, a sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Gayle Vivian of Madison, and a host of other extended relatives.

The family of Jane Dellinger would like to offer our sincerest gratitude to Compassus Hospice for the excellent care and compassion they provided.

Jane loved beautiful flowers and they will be graciously accepted.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 10:00 am at Lexington Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Clark Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.

www.lordandstephens.com