Some people leave footprints on our hearts that time can never erase. Marilyn Marie Durand was one of those rare and beautiful souls whose love, kindness, and gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though she may no longer walk beside us, the warmth she shared will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Marilyn was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished sister, an honored aunt, and a proud grandmother. She had a natural gift for nurturing others and helped raise more children than just her own two daughters, becoming a mother and grandmother figure to many who knew and loved her.

She found joy in life’s simple moments. Marilyn loved reading and sewing, but her greatest joy was her daughters and her beloved grandchildren. Caring for the people she loved brought her the deepest happiness.

Those who knew Marilyn will remember her humor, her stubborn spirit, and the strength that defined her. She could make a room laugh, stand firm in what she believed, and love fiercely all at the same time.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Egbert Louis Durand; her daughters, Kelli Cavender, widow of George Cavender, and Kimberly Bailey (Jarred Bailey); her treasured grandchildren, Tinley and Cohen Bailey; her brother, Ralph Gravitt (Fran); her nieces and nephews; and the many children she helped raise and held close to her heart.

She was welcomed into eternal rest by those who went before her, including her beloved parents, Ralph and Eunice Gravitt; her sister, Brenda Gravitt; and her son-in-law, George Cavender.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 13, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming, Georgia. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, March 15 at 3:00 p.m. at The Gathering Community Church in Cleveland, Georgia.

And somewhere, in the gentle rhythm of a rocking chair and the warmth of a well-loved blanket, the comfort and love Marilyn shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.