On May 2 2015, Dr. Marilyn Sapp Benton’s spirit and soul transitioned home.
Marilyn was born December 16, 1935 in Joplin, Missouri to Mary Elizabeth and John Henry Sapp. She was the oldest of three children. Marilyn graduated from OU, married, and raised 3 daughters. In 1985 she earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from UMKC and practiced for over 20 years as a teacher and psychologist. Marilyn loved travel, animals, and giving back. Her work helping people heal and grow gives us great pride. Our mother is kind, wise, strong, honest, generous, humble, and spiritual.
Marilyn is survived by her 3 daughters, Diane Moore (Paul), Susannah Brown (Jeff), Camille Benton (Kevin Ferrett), 7 grandchildren…Skylar, Alex, Lauren, Kyle, Caine, Reese and Eli. Welcoming Marilyn home was Mary, Moody, John, Carol, Martha, Elizabeth, Jim, Henry, and others who love her. We will miss her every day.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at:
www.cathyb6.sg-host.com
The family will hold a private memorial.
In lieu of flowers:
Please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or
Make a Memorial Gift to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Marilyn was a beautiful person in many ways. She was a dear friend, so very understanding, insightful,
intelligent, and kind. She always had time to listen, and she responded. Her sense of humor was keen and sophisticated. I could not have asked for a better friend. She was always there when I needed her, and she gave that special friendship to many fortunate people. I admired Marilyn for her patience, softness, and courage. Sandy Radom
I loved Marilyn. I cherished our lunches and her laughter. She has an incredibly open mind and leaves behind a legacy of love and patience and incredibly powerful woman. I miss her smile. G’d bless you Marilyn. You were great.
My dearest friend Marilyn. I would not be where or who I am today without her love and friendship over the past 40 years. We shared so much laughter and tears. Marilyn was truly “My Brilliant Friend”. My love to Camille, Diane and Susannah.
I told my Mom the day she passed how proud I am of her. Amazing lady, my mom. She always validated me for being exactly who I was and I am grateful I could do the same for her. Love love love you Mama!!
Marilyn was a kind and amazingly authentic woman who will be missed greatly. She was there for me when my dad (Pacey)was very sick in the hospital and again when my mom died. My heart goes out to her family and friends. My dad was devastated when he told me this morning that our friend had passed. We may have lost our friend but heaven has gained a very special angel. My dad and I will look for a small dog to adopt in honor of Marilyn…..Marilyn…Mom needs help with the Rainbow Bridge and I cannot think of a better person that you. I love you. Lisa
Dear Camille-
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I know how much you loved and admired her. Blessings on you and yours during this difficult time.
Oh Lisa-thank you so much for your kind words. Mom always said wonderful things about you. Pacey is a hoot! I have been wondering how he is, please give him my love. Mom will be THRILLED that you will be adopting a sweet little dog who needs a home. She was always networking to find homes for canine orphans and she always seemed to succeed! much love to you and yours. Camille
Amidst the comings and goings of this life, a dear friend and mentor has passed into another realm, one which she not only contemplated with both scholarly and spiritual interest, but also helped many others explore with curiosity and courage. And, oh my, her generosity, open mind, intelligence, witty ways. Marilyn shared more than an office suite with me for more than twenty years. She shared herself, her love, her children, her wisdom, her artistry. Thank you, Marilyn. Your creative grace will ripple on and on. And on. Many thank-you prayers and sweet-grass smudgings.
As you shared Marilyn’s passing, I looked beyond the words on my computer to see the first iris had just bloomed in my yard. I smiled as tears silently passed over my face. Sadness, yes, but wonderful memories came forth to comfort me. Five decades have come since I first met John’s “big” sister. Our times together were always special; how proud I was to become her sister-in-law. Watching the three of you grow from childhood to lovely mothers yourself was such a joy. Marilyn was herself a remarkable mother and loved each of you dearly. Her gift of being able to relate to others extended to her professional career.
As I see the array of beautiful colors now in the garden, I think of Marilyn’s diverse talents. I also remember the original iris came from her grandmother’s garden, was next passed to Marilyn’s mother, and later planted in ours by Aunt Moody for the next generations. Diane, Susannah and Camille, we will divide the iris in memory of your mother and pass them on to you and your Sapp cousins. Memories are forever. Sunshine and blue skies, Phyllis
Camille I am sooooooo sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Keeping you and your family in prayer.Let know if there is something I can do for you.
Marla
I knew Marilyn in graduate school when we were surviving the trevails of the prolonged marathon of the doctoral process. She was always easy to talk with, and I would seek her out to converse with. It seemed that her life had not always been easy, and I admired her for over coming many obsticles in her pursuit of becoming a psychologist. Often I have thought about how lucky her clients were to have such a kind and accepting therapist to help them. When I read of her passing I was sad that the world had lost such a kind and gentle soul. Godspeed Marilyn.
I am thinking about all of you, Camille. I did not know Marilyn, but certainly heard a lot of wonderful things about her from you and Kevin over the years. Take care during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
Susannah,
Sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I know the Lord has his arms
around you and your family during this difficult time. Take care and God bless.
To Marilyn’s family, it is with much sadness that I write this. Your mom was amazing! I often think of her and I was fortunate enough to find her after she retired and was able to hear her(distinct) voice. Her last words to me,”you’ll know” comforted and reassured me, which allowed me to regain some happiness. I loved your mom and I will never forget her.Reading over these comments, I will now think of her when I see an iris flower. Bless your family.
I was a client of Marilyn’s almost 30 years ago and she popped into my head this morning. I am so sorry to read of her passing and wanted to share that she had a significant impact on my life. Because of her compassionate, thoughtful and intelligent guidance, I was able completely transform my life by finding my inner strength and wisdom and become the person I am wanted to be. She brought authenticity, strength, humor, intelligence and wisdom to every session and I am profoundly grateful to have had the opportunity to know her.