Ms. Marilyn Preston Cross-Hockaday passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012. She was born on Nov. 2, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia, to parents Callie Elrod Preston & James Albert Preston. She was elected Miss Stay & See East Point 1966. She was a graduate of Headland High School in East Point (1966) and California State University-Northridge (1977).
Marilyn spent much of the first half of her life in Atlanta where she worked for Georgia State University, managed Reflections Art Gallery, and later founded MPC Arts. She spent the next 25 years as a devoted mother in Franklin, Tennessee. Always the caregiver, listener, and strength to her family, her smile and presence lit up the room and were a hallmark of a happy life.
Later she returned to the Atlanta area to care for her parents. There, she met and fell in love with her husband, Dean, with whom she shared the last few joyful years.
Survivors include her husband, Dean Hockaday; daughter, Lindsay Cross; son, Trevor Cross (Bonnie); granddaughter, Miriam Cross; parents, J.R. & Callie Sowell; siblings, Cindy Morgan, Jimmy Preston, Renee Sherrer, and Randy Sowell. Preceding her in death was father, James A. Preston.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckoon.com .
A memorial service was held Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home. Rev. Gary Cunningham officiated.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to The American Society of the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals, 424 East 92nd St.. New York, NY 10128.
McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson St., Newnan, GA 30263; 770-253-4580
