Marianne Hawkins Meriwether

Marianne Hawkins Meriwether, 68—beloved wife, mother, Grammy, friend, and teacher to hundreds—ended her fight with Parkinson’s Disease and was called Home on Monday, March 8, 2021.

A life-long “do-er”, Marianne was always busy working on a project, learning a new skill, planning an event, or volunteering at church. She had a warm smile, quick sense of humor, and was known to laugh til she cried. She loved horses, singing the alto lines of old hymns, Christmas, reading books on the beach, the Tennessee Volunteers, spending time in her craft room, and cooking—but her grandchildren were her greatest joy.

Marianne graduated from Glencliff High School, Belmont University with a Bachelors in Education, and Tennessee State University with a Masters in Education, and had a 31-year tenure as an educator. She was incredibly creative in her classroom, and loved helping a struggling student blossom, collaborating with her teaching team, and showing her students that reading can be an adventure.

She temporarily leaves her husband of just under 40 years, David Meriwether, her son Scott Meriwether (Anne), her daughter Laura Meriwether Grass (Brandon); her sister Marilyn Hawkins; her grandchildren Morgan, Ellen, Lillie, Caroline, Walt, James, and Caleb; along with many close friends.

Marianne was born in Madisonville, Kentucky and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, the daughter of David and Betty Hawkins. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Davy, and sister Martha.

A celebration of her life will be held at Franklin First United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee on Monday, March 22, at 11am. By delaying this service, we’re providing time for the church to move to their next phase of reopening, which allows for hymns to be sung corporately. Marianne would have wanted everyone to sing songs of celebration together.

Doors will open at 10:30am; advance registration will be required and attendance limited to ensure safe social distancing. Masks will be required and it is respectfully asked that you refrain from attending if you have had a recent known exposure to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. You may register at https://franklinfirstumc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/662/responses/new.

A live-stream of her celebration will be available for those who cannot or who are uncomfortable attending at live.franklinfumc.org.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tribute donation to either Belmont University or the National Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org).