Marilyn Rowena Hunter Henson Hixon, 75, of Sylva, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

Born in Brevard, NC, she was the daughter of the late Cleo and Hassie Smith Hunter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Henson, Jr in 2012; and a brother, Manuel Hunter. Marilyn was a very devout Christian and member of Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson County. She enjoyed taking long rides, especially to Cades Cove, singing, clogging, deer hunting, and day trips with "her Thomas".

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Thomas Hixon of Sylva, NC; children, Angela Biller (Glen) of Cullowhee, NC, James "Barry" Henson, and Sabrina Denise Rogers (Dan) of Benson, NC; stepson, Jason Hixon of Jacksonville, FL; stepdaughter, Patricia Villarreal of Cashiers, NC; eleven grandchildren, Cody (Josh), Marlee (Shane), Devin (Hali), Cameron, Karlen, Chase, Drew, Myles (Morgan), Fabian (Tamara), Jonathan (Kaitlyn) and Trevor (Bri); and numerous great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be 2pm on Friday, August 4 at Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Lewis Smith and Rev. Albert Gray will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 1pm to 2pm, one hour prior to the service at Macon Funeral Home.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.