Marilyn Monroe McQuillaSunrise: May 31, 1952 - Sunset: April 27, 2014

In Loving Memory of

SaturdayMay 3, 2014

11:00 am

Funeral Service

Monumental Baptist Church

121 Lafayette Street Jersey City, New Jersey

Reverend Joseph L. Jones, Sr. Pastor

Final Arrangements Entrusted to: Jackson Funeral Residence, Inc. Rosalyn A. Browne, Manager - Sidney M. Hagans, Director 384 Communipaw Avenue • Jersey City, New Jersey • 201-432-6565 www.jacksonfuneralresidence.net

I know I said ‘I love you’ many, many times over;But one more time won’t hurt, ‘cause this one is for closure.I took all the pain I could take- to stay right here with you;

But in the end I relinquished - to take on a life anew.Pain-stricken and flawed, I transitioned from this earth;

To make way for my eternal home, to embrace a brand new birth.I lived with few regrets because my love for you was pure;For each of you were special as I kept your hearts secure.

Locked away safely in my heart were the hearts of all my fa-mi-ly;And when I needed to feel love, I knew where I’d find the key.

For my life’s work was to love and to honor my God above;To obey His every commandment and to relish in the blessings thereof.So my life was that of thanksgiving – & a thankful heart was mine;

But like all other mortals, there just wasn’t enough time.So don’t dwell on my death, but on my life with you instead;

Think of the many good things I did and the Christian life I led.Remember my life with each of you and how I loved you so dear;And the memories that you have of me will always keep me near.

I can no longer say I love you but my last words said it all;For I departed this life thinking of you - as I answered my Master’s Call!

Written by: Lynda Jackson- Williams on behalf of Marilyn Landrum

Tell My Family That I Love Them

Thank you from the Family The Family of the late Marilyn McQuilla thank everyone for your acts of kindness The phone calls, visits, prayers, condolences, cards, food, items and kind thoughts, just whatever you did, to help ease our

pain during this time of our bereavement we are grateful. As Marilyn’s loss is extremely

painful, we solicit you continued prayers.

Obituary Marilyn Monroe McQuilla was born Marilyn Monroe Landrum in Prestwick, (Clarke County), Alabama on May 31, 1952 to the late Rev W. L. Landrum and Zeola Holley Landrum. She went home to be with our Lord and Saviour on April 27, 2014 at the age of 61. She married the love of her life, John McQuilla on January 15, 2014. Marilyn the 6th child of 11 children, graduated from Jackson High School in Jackson, Alabama were she was a member of the National Honor Society. Affectionately known as “MaMa”, Marilyn thoroughly enjoyed life and the outdoors. She traveled frequently and was an Executive Assistant at Bell Atlantic in New York, now Verizon since 1972. She retired from Verizon in 2004. In addition to raising her two children she also helped to raise many other children and was the godmother to so many. In her early years she was known to take her children and also many children from her area to New York to see Broadway Musicals. She was an avid reader and loved to read mysteries and documentaries. Family and friends were her passion and delight. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet, loving and giving demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her signature smile and gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter and joking around, will never be forgotten. Marilyn saw the good in everything and encouraged others to do the same. She was

a true role model and a person who possessed qualities that we should all try to emulate. She cared deeply for everyone whether you were her family, friend or a community member. She was always willing to help out someone in need and had the kindest heart of anyone we knew. After retiring in 2004 she moved to Salitpa, Alabama to be the primary caretaker for her ailing father. She stayed by his side until his demise in February 2011. She briefly moved back to Jersey City, NJ where she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in 2012. She displayed her loving, kind and unselfish spirit by moving back to Alabama to be the primary caretaker for another family member. God blessed her

husband, John by allowing her to return to New Jersey where she married her longtime sweetheart.

Born and raised in a Christian home, she joined church under the pastoral leadership of her father, Rev. W. L. Landrum. While at Springfield AME Zion Church in Salitpa, Alabama, she was very active in the choir, church Sunday school serving as secretary, the Youth

Director of the Christian Education Department, secretary for the Missionary Department, Poor Steward, member of the Steward Board, lead team member for major fundraisers, and anywhere there was a need. After relocating to New Jersey, she joined Monumental Baptist Church where she continued to work. She was a member of the Gospel Choir (secretary), the Flower Circle (Vice President), Missionary Society, the culinary department, various softball leagues, the Afro American Industrial Club (an international organization), Marilyn could be found working anywhere there was a need. Marilyn was a generous, loving, supportive and unselfish woman who always put other people before herself. She was charitable, giving, considerate and kind. Marilyn is survived by her husband, John McQuilla of Pennsylvania, her son Shawn Landrum Muhammad (Al-Nisa) of Hillside, NJ; daughter Aisha McKnight of Union, NJ; 3 step sons, John Henry Jr., Donnele, and Jamaal. 8 sisters, Bettye Landrum, Nettye Jackson, Anola Love (Jimmy), Rachel Jackson, E. Louise Gamble (Maple), Carrie Freeman, Barbara Landrum, Lois Landrum, Creola Richardson (Eddie) and two brothers, Willie Landrum and Alvin Landrum (Rose). 6 grandchildren, Anthony Mcknight, Jacob Mcknight, Kalimah Muhammad, Khaire Muhammad, Mizan Muhammad and Malaq Muhammad. A host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and close friends.

Order of ServiceProcessional

Prayer of Comfort – Minister Bettye Landrum

Scripture Readings Old Testatment - Minister Bartaau Landrum (San Diego, CA)

New Testament - Minister Michele Taylor (Jackson, AL)

Musical Selection Reflections (2 minutes please)

Acknowledgement of Condolences The Reading of the Obituary

Musical Selection Eulogy - Rev. Joseph L. Jones, Pastor

(Monumental Baptist Church)

Recessional Cremation

Rosehill Crematory Linden, New Jersey

Repast will be held at Monumental Baptist Church