Marilyn Smart-Whittington, 71, departed this life on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at home.

She was born in Chicago, IL on January 29, 1954, to the late Lewis and Dorothy (Gilmore) Smart, Jr.

Marilyn graduated from Elkhart Central High School in 1972. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Cannan Baptist Church. She later became a member of Community Missionary Baptist Church. She attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI. Marilyn worked at Whitehall Laboratories for approximately 18 years until the plant closed. She worked at Budish & Solomon Ltd. While living in Cleveland, OH. Marilyn moved back to Indiana and worked as a Legal Assistant for the law firms of Barnes & Thornburg LLP and then at Sanders Pianowski LLP until she retired.

Marilyn as a young girl loved writing plays, poetry, and playing the viola. Marilyn loved visiting her family and friends whether it was a girl's night out, a barbeque, a fish fry or just a family get together. And she loved to try different recipes on her guests. She had a beautiful and sweet spirit that touched the lives of many.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories: her sister, Sandra Smart-Bragdon of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; one uncle, Lyman Smart Sr. of Lilbourn, MO; and three aunts: Doris Miles and Mary Smart both of Elkhart, IN and Wilma Smart of New Madrid, MO; her niece Sonny Smart, moved back to Indiana to be caregiver to Marilyn along with the help of Gary Johnson who was Marilyn's lifelong friend. She also leaves other nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her sister, Veronica; her brother, Timothy; her parents; her maternal grandparents, James and Emily Gilmore; her paternal grandparents, Lewis and Minurvia Smart Sr; and many aunts and uncles. We love you Marilyn, but God love you best. Sleep on sweet sister and take your rest. You will always remain in our hearts.

There will be a Homegoing Memorial Service at 12:00pm on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Community Baptist Church, 228 Chapman Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

For those that wish to send a condolence or share a memory may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.