Mrs. Marlys Eileen Murray Van Kleef, age 72 of Cedartown, Georgia, peacefully went home to Our Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

She was born on June 15, 1951 in Fullerton, California. She was the daughter of the late Donald Ruthnen Murray and Mary Frances (Birmingham) Murray.

Marlys is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, William C. “Tiny” Van Kleef, Jr.; son William (Marcy) C. Van Kleef III of Rome, Georgia; and granddaughters Molly (Peter) Clance and Emily Van Kleef, both of Rome, Georgia, along with cousins, and many nieces
and nephews who affectionately called her “Auntie.”

Marlys graduated from Heritage High School in Anaheim, California in 1969 and was the valedictorian. Always joyful, Marlys could light up a room with her smile and her heart of gold.

With a singing voice that is renowned and revered around Georgia and Alabama churches, Marlys started singing in church with the man who would become her husband when the pair met at 15 years old.

After her husband’s tour with the United States Air Force, Marlys and William moved from California with their young son to Georgia in 1976. She retired from working for the State of Georgia after many years of dedicated service.

Marlys was a member of Lime Branch Baptist Church and enjoyed serving alongside her husband as faithful members of the choir and church.

She enjoyed being a Sunday School teacher for many years and serving through various church wide activities. Marlys is also especially known for being an involved and fun grandmother for her two granddaughters.

She was always known to support and care for her family and friends.

In keeping with Marlys’s wishes, she was cremated. The family of Mrs. Marlys Van Kleef will have a celebration and praise service at a later date. Further details will be shared at a later time.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Son Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services of Mrs. Marlys Eileen Murray Van Kleef.