Marilyn Louise Prince

1949 - 2018

Marilyn Louise Prince, age 69, passed away suddenly at home from natural causes on March 22, 2018. Born in New Orleans, February 17, 1949, to George L and Yvonne Eiermann Prince, Marilyn graduated from Riverdale High School in 1967 and earned a B.A. in English at the University of New Orleans. Her professional life was devoted to human services - first, as an administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator for the Crisis Line suicide prevention non-profit and then, for 30+ years with the LA DHHS before retiring as a Medicaid Certification Specialist. A proud native, Marilyn celebrated our culture and almost everything New Orleans, while supporting social justice and equality issues. She was particularly interested in the environment and was an avid gardener. A wonderful Creole cook and foodie, she co-chaired one of the city's earliest food co-ops - the Robert St. Co-op, when it moved to Panola Street in the early 70's, and in her retirement, was instrumental in her church's bagged food outreach program before helping it grow into a weekly community meal that rivaled any restaurant in the area. She relished her many travels around the world, researching, then immersing herself in their art, music and natural wonders. Marilyn was known to speak kindly, but honestly, with all who met her. Post-Katrina, she committed to the renewal of her maternal family's church - First Grace UMC, working on the weekly community meal and other food programs while expanding her faith. She truly adored its unified congregation and joyful music. Preceded in death by her parents and brother Perry, Marilyn is survived by her sister, Eileen S. Prince, and her devoted nieces, Roxanne Prince Seay and Natalie Renee Seay, as well as her many friends and First Grace UMC family. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3rd at First Grace UMC, 3401 Canal St., NOLA 70119. Though she loved flowers, practical Marilyn would wish that any interested parties make a donation in her memory to First Grace UMC. An online guestbook is available at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com.