Marilyn Yvonne Burnett Garner

Marilyn Yvonne Burnett Garner

January 15, 1936 – July 18, 2026

Marilyn Yvonne Burnett Garner, 90, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, scholarship and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Born on January 15, 1936, in Tennessee's Sequatchie Valley, Marilyn was the daughter of pioneering Tennessee families and carried a deep appreciation for her heritage throughout her life. She graduated from Marion County High School in Jasper, Tennessee, in 1953 before earning a degree in chemistry from Brenau College for Women in Gainesville, Georgia.

Marilyn began her career teaching science and chemistry at Whitwell High School before serving as a social worker in Hamilton County. In 1958, she married the love of her life, Hugh P. Garner. Together they built a life centered on family and community, eventually making Signal Mountain their home in 1962.

A lifelong learner and passionate historian, Marilyn devoted decades to preserving the rich history of Signal Mountain and Walden's Ridge. As chairman of the Signal Mountain Historical Committee, she led the organization and preservation of invaluable historical collections and helped establish what became a significant archive of local history at the Signal Mountain Library. Her tireless volunteerism extended to numerous civic and community organizations, including the Signal Mountain Guild, Signal Mountain Garden Club, Signal Woods Garden Club, Civic Council, Beautification Fund, the Scenic Cities Beautiful Commission and Daughters of the American Revolution. In recognition of her many contributions, she was named the Signal Mountain Guild's Woman of the Year in 1983 and was honored by the Town of Signal Mountain in 2009 for her outstanding achievements and dedicated service.

Her lesser known but probably most significant contribution to Chattanooga was in the mid- 1970s when Marilyn planted two blooming cherry trees at the intersection of Broad Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This act became the beginning of the greening of Chattanooga, transforming the city from primarily industrial into the beautiful intelligence, generous spirit and deep love for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Hugh P. Garner; her daughter, Paige Garner Morse; and her grandson, Hugh Thomas Morse.

She is survived by her loving son, Hugh Griffith Garner (Sarah). Known affectionately as Goody, she will be deeply missed by her three granddaughters, Paige Marie Morse (Lauren), Jessica Garner Ali (Murtaza) and Margaret Garner Erpenbeck (Brayden); and four great-grandchildren, Carter, Davis, Alastair and Sophia.

More than her accomplishments, Marilyn will be remembered for her kindness,

A celebration of Marilyn's life will be held on Saturday, August 1, at 10:00 AM (Central Standard Time) at Pine Grove Cemetery, 243 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper TN 37347.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lassiter Cemetery ℅ Mr. Jim Holtcamp, 411 Sawmill Branch Lane, Sequatchie TN 37374 or any other cause close to your heart would be appreciated.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home, Jasper Chapel, 21 East Fifth Street, Jasper, Tennessee, 37347. (423) 942-2682.