Dr. Marilyn Slater Spearman, 87, of Tallahassee, Florida departed this life on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare in Tallahassee, Florida.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. in the Cray Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 1918 Oakhaven Dr, Albany, GA 31721.

Her remains will lie in state at the church Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 9:00 AM until the service hour.

"In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Marilyn Spearman Foundation. Please use this hyperlink to the Marilyn Spearman Foundation https://spearman-foundation.org/

Interment will follow in the Floral Memory Gardens, 120 Old Pretoria Road, Albany, Georgia 31721.

Dr. Marilyn Ann Spearman, age 87, of Tallahassee, Florida, peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on December 23, 2025. She lived a life rooted in faith, guided by learning, and devoted to lifting others especially her family and her students.

Marilyn was born on April 13, 1938, in Savannah, Georgia, to Sadie (Cooper) Slater and James Slater. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Lacey Spearman, brothers, James Jr. and Charles, and is survived by her sister, Eugenia Slater Brown and brother Victor Slater.

From an early age, Marilyn showed quiet determination and a deep belief that education could open doors—not just for herself, but for generations to come.

She was a devoted mother to three children: Kenneth Burns Jr. (Cynthia L. York), Pamela Watson (Terry V. Watson), and Wynndel Burns (Kimberly Burns). Marilyn took great pride in encouraging her children to dream big, work hard, and pursue education beyond high school. She believed learning was a lifelong journey, and she lived that belief every day.

While working full-time, Marilyn returned to school and began building the academic path she had long envisioned. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Francis in 1985, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Louisville in 1988. In 1998, she completed her Ph.D. in Social Work at The Ohio State University. Her journey was not easy, but it was steady, faithful, and driven by purpose.

Marilyn’s post graduate goal was to become an educator at a Historically Black College or University in the South. After completing her doctorate, she joined the faculty at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where she later served as Chair of the Social Work Program. While at FAMU she successfully brought a Master of Social degree to the program. Later, she assumed the chair role at Albany State University and delivered a Master of Social Work degree at ASU also. She was known as a thoughtful leader and a mentor who cared deeply about her students’ futures.

Her work created opportunities that continue to benefit students today. In time, with the support of family, friends and colleagues, the Marilyn Spearman Foundation was established to provide financial support to deserving graduate students at Albany State University and Florida A&M University— ensuring her commitment to education would live on.

One proud moment Marilyn often cherished was presenting her research at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. It represented not only academic success, but the fulfillment of a dream she had carried for many years.

In her later years, Marilyn deepened her walk with the Lord. She found joy and fellowship studying Scripture with her Christian sisters through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Her faith was steady, her spirit gentle, and her encouragement constant.

Marilyn is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Brandon Watson (Heather Watson); Richard Watson (Sheena Watson), Alexander Watson (Kyanna Watson), Nia Burns, Andre DuBois (Andrea DuBois) and great- grandchildren, Noah Watson, Hailey Watson, Bella Avery, Andre DuBois, Jr., Averi DuBois and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She took great joy in watching her family grow and flourish.

Dr. Marilyn Spearman leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, and service. She will be remembered as a woman who believed in education, trusted in God, and quietly helped others see their own potential. Her life continues to speak through the many lives she touched.

Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.