Marilyn Joseph Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Marilyn Joseph, 45, passed away peacefully in Smyrna, Georgia on June 2, 2022 following an extended battle with multiple auto-immune related illnesses. She was born on July 1, 1976 in Smithtown, New York. She was the daughter of Velande Pierre. Marilyn attended schools in Marietta, Georgia and graduated, with honors, from Pope High School. Marilyn continued her post-secondary education at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, in 2002. Marilyn continued her education and cultivated her passion for the media attending New York University as a Jacob K. Javits Fellow to complete her Master of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism, Radio and Television. What few know is that, prior to attending NYU, Marilyn bravely left the arguably more prestigious Columbia School of Journalism upon realizing the program was not best suited for her goals and interests. Marilyn went on to establish herself as a rising industry star by working with some of the top names in media journalism such as CBS News Division, Harpo Productions, and CNN. It was at CNN where she and her colleagues in production were recognized for coverage of the 2008 Presidential Primary Campaigns and Debates with a Peabody Award for significant and meritorious achievement in broadcasting and cable. 2008 was the same year that Marilyn’s health began to deteriorate as she was able to self-diagnose her Lyme disease through the same dogged determination and tireless pursuit of truth that made her a great journalist. She continued to work until 2010 when it became apparent she had to devote full-time focus on her health. From that point forward, she fought for her health becoming an expert in alternative medicines, organic food and naturopathy. Each step of the way, she always looked after those around her, advocating for their health and recommending alternative treatments even as her health deteriorated. She was a selfless daughter and sister. She was a champion and stubborn advocate for those without a voice. She was a loving aunt and beautiful woman – honest, fair-minded, and excellent in all her pursuits. We are so proud of her and her fight. She never gave up. While robbed of her health, we are grateful that she was never robbed of her keen intellect, talent for picking the perfect gift for those she loved, and fondness for inspirational quotes. Rest in peace. We thank all those who supported and loved her through this journey. We are forever in your debt. Thank you for loving our beloved family member. The family is asking if you wish, in lieu of flowers to donate to the Atlanta local shelter for battered women and children of your choice. Or you can choose one of the following: My Sister's House - www.give.atlantamission.org The Women's Resource Center to end Domestic Violence - www.wrcdv.org A private memorial service will be held at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home.