Marilyn Powell Reed

With a lifelong devotion to God and family, Marilyn Powell Reed of Brentwood passed peacefully to be with the Lord on March 7, 2026. A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she will be remembered for her steadfast faith, quiet strength, deep love and care for family, and her kind and generous spirit.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 17, 1944, Marilyn was the youngest child of the late Roy and Irene Powell. As one of eight children, she was blessed with a wonderful childhood in her family home on Brick Church Pike and graduated from Maplewood High School. As a teenager, she met her husband, Roger, while shopping with her mother at the H. G. Hill grocery store where he worked in the produce department. They married in 1963 and shared fifty-nine years of marriage. They first made their home in Crieve Hall before moving to Brentwood in 1973, where they raised their family and became active members of the community they were proud to call home.

Marilyn was a dedicated and longtime member of Brentwood Baptist Church. Over the years she served on staff in several areas, including the music ministry and as church secretary. She was a member of the choir, WMU, and several women's Bible studies, and she often volunteered as a chaperone on youth trips. Marilyn loved spending time with family and friends playing games and cards, shopping for antiques, and traveling.

She had a special gift for creating a warm and welcoming home, especially during the holidays, and devoted herself to caring for her family and raising her sons, Harold and Craig. She dearly loved her grandchildren and faithfully supported them in their interests and pursuits. Known for her kindness and generosity, Marilyn was also a natural planner who enjoyed keeping things organized and making gatherings meaningful and memorable for those she loved.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving husband and parents; sisters, Frances Sweeney and Eleanor Hayes; and brothers, Roy G. Powell, Jr., Paul Powell, Leland Powell, and Neal Powell. She is survived by her beloved sons, Harold (Lori) Reed of Nolensville and Craig (Alison) Reed of Brentwood; her grandchildren, William (Allie) Reed, Lauren (John) Harland, Caroline Reed, Nicholas Reed, and Owen Reed; her brother, Charles (Barbara) Powell of Joelton; sisters-in-law, Margaret Powell, Donitta Reed, and Joyce Heitschmidt; brother-in-law, Jim Reed; and many other dearly loved relatives and friends.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in the atrium at Brentwood Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life will follow in Baskin Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Michael L. Glenn officiating. Burial in Williamson Memorial Gardens immediately after the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Danny Poole Youth Scholarship Fund at Brentwood Baptist Church.

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