Marilyn K. Fannin

With a heavy heart we announce that Marilyn Kuehn Fannin of Gainesville VA, 87, died peacefully at her new home in Columbia, S.C. on 4 December. Friends and family can offer condolences at her tribute site: https://www.Marilyn-kuehn-fannin.forevermissed.com

Marilyn or “Mickie” was born September 25, 1933 in Fraser, MI. daughter of Bernadine Blavett and Arthur Kuehn. She was preceded in death by a brother Arthur, her parents and former spouse, Noel Lester Fannin of Southport, NC.

Marilyn graduated from high school in Fraser and attended Wayne State University. As a young journalist for the Fraser Gazette, she reported on society events. She left her small town to begin a colorful married life as an “Agency Spouse” in the Washington DC area during the 1950’s and 60’s. She had tours in Japan and Okinawa and cruised the American President Lines aboard the SS Roosevelt from Manila to San Francisco in 1967. Thanks to her strong work ethic, she went on to obtain a Master’s in Social Work while raising her girls in Falls Church, VA. and working at the Woodburn Mental Health Center. She was ahead of her time; as a Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC), she opened a successful private practice, “The Counseling Center: A Private Place to Talk,” which served countless clients in the 1980’s. 

Marilyn was a talented bridge and chess player. Dogs were her lifelong companions, especially dachshunds. She was a keen follower of current events, an Asian art collector and a fierce supporter of her beloved daughters.

Marilyn Fannin is survived by two daughters, Colleen F. Arnold and Maureen Fannin; son-in-law John Arnold and three grandsons: Ian and Owen Butler of Gainesville, VA and Asa Arnold of Columbia, S.C. 

The family would like to thank Watercrest Assisted Living, Lighthouse Hospice of Columbia, S.C., Errand Works of Prince William County, VA and the Tribune Assisted Living of Gainesville, VA.

Memorials may be made to Saint John Lutheran School, Fraser MI, 48026. Please help the family remember Marilyn at https://www.forevermissed.com

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