Marilyn Smith Laub

Devoted mother and wife Marilyn Laub passed away 6/7/25 at 79

.

Survived by her husband of 45 years, Jim Laub, her siblings Sandra Ward and David Ledford, her daughters Cherie Chance (Rob), Bethany Renninger (Michael), her bonus daughters Anna Davey (Pat) & LaRae Shultz (Todd); her 14 grandchildren, and several beloved great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Louvenia Ledford, her brother Noble Ledford, & bonus son Jamie Harrold.

Marilyn was a long-time resident of Cleveland, TN and devoted member of Mt Carmel Baptist Church, and proud of it. This place, this church, was her home and she gave over 50 years of service teaching Sunday school, serving in the nursery, working in the kitchen, working VBS, and so many more things she did without hesitation.

She was an active member of Toastmasters. She held the wonderful achievement of being the first female president of the local chapter right here in Cleveland. Marilyn never met a stranger, making friends wherever she went, connections that she kept for a lifetime. She adopted countless people into our ever-growing family, loving each one of them fiercely and completely, as if they had been hers all along. Her relationships spanned decades and grew stronger with every laugh, every struggle, every moment that passed.

She was the model of unconditional love and sacrifice. One could always find her volunteering at the church or in her community, taking care of people's children when they needed a helping hand, visiting the lonely and the ones who had no one else to show them kindness. If there was a need, she would fight with all she had to meet it. To many, she showed what it meant to have a loving family; No one was ever left behind, neglected, or forgotten.

Her wit was sharper than a whip, and she could make you laugh until your sides hurt and there were tears in your eyes. Her stories spanned across generations, weaving together her life and others into a beautiful tapestry, making you feel as though you have been part of everything with her. But few could parallel her servant's heart and her unshakeable kindness. We all have so much we could learn from her.

The family will receive friends and family for visitation on Thursday, June 12, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted by Chattanooga Memorial Funeral Home 144 Browns Ferry Rd. Chattanooga, TN. 37419 423-591-7777