Marilyn Mabee, age 88, a resident of Arab, passed away recently surrounded by family. Born in Birmingham and a graduate of Woodlawn High School, Marilyn moved to Arab in 1976 after starting a family with her husband in Largo, Florida. Raised in a home built on faith, service, and kindness, she carried these values throughout her life and instilled them in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marilyn lived a life defined by her deep devotion to God, her unwavering commitment to family, and her selfless spirit. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose life reflected steadfast faith, love, and quiet strength.
Marilyn’s servant heart extended into her church and community. A lifelong member of Gilliam Springs Baptist Church in Arab, she served humbly—volunteering her time to help those in need, joyfully singing in the choir, and guiding young women in Sunday School classes and the Girls in Action (GA) program. She was honored to be one of the B-Team Angels of Arab, a group devoted to sharing the love of Christ, a mission that beautifully reflected Marilyn’s faith and her desire to brighten the lives of others.
Family was second only to her faith. Marilyn married her husband, Doug, in the late 1950s, and together they built a home rooted in hard work, faith, warmth, and strong family bonds until his passing many years later. With remarkable independence and fortitude, she continued raising and supporting their four children. She worked diligently—at times holding multiple jobs—to provide for them, teaching by example the values of faith, strength, humility, and kindness. Marilyn always placed the needs of others before her own, offering quiet acts of support for loved ones and simple gestures of care for friends and neighbors.
Throughout her long life, Marilyn embodied quiet perseverance. She found joy in everyday blessings, such as reading inspirational literature, working puzzles and word searches, playing games, and cherishing moments with family. Her life was a testament to grace and dignity, even in the face of adversity.
Marilyn is survived by her four children: Pam Alldredge (Sam), Cheryl Mabee, Mike Mabee (Cale), and Mark Mabee (Kim); her brother, Doug Newman; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, four siblings, and other loved ones who went before her.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will take place at Gilliam Springs Baptist Church in Arab on January 24th at 11:00 am. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her honor to the American Heart Association, the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Parkinson’s Foundation.
