Marilyn Jeanette Barkley, 80, daughter of the late John B. and Launa Sneed, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025.

Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Marilyn graduated from East High School in 1962 before pursuing her passion for nursing at the Akron School of Practical Nursing. In 1966, she married Arthur Barkley, Jr., with whom she shared 46 wonderful years and raised four cherished daughters until his passing in 2012.

For more than five decades, Marilyn maintained a nursing career with dedication and excellence. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University and held leadership roles, including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Director of Nursing, Clinical Instructor and Legal Nurse Consultant. Even in retirement, she remained committed to serving others as a volunteer at Akron Children’s Hospital. A woman of strong faith, Marilyn was an active member of Arlington Church of God.

She was preceded in death by triplet sons Arthur III, Michael, and Joseph; beloved husband Arthur Jr.; parents John B. and Launa Sneed; sister Anitra Sacks; and brother John Jr. Marilyn is survived by her loving daughters Lisa A. Barkley of Macon, Ga; Dominique (Clement) Williams of Columbus, Ohio; Danielle (Keith) Howard of Macon, Ga; and Dawn Barkley of Sacramento, Calif. As “Nana,” she cherished her seven grandchildren Lauren (Gabe) Cavallaro, Livia and Logan Young, Gabriel, Samuel, Noelle Howard, and Clement J. Williams. She also leaves behind her dear siblings, Enid (Joe) Williams and Launa Joan Sneed, along with countless other family and treasured friends.

Services have been entrusted to Stewart and Calhoun Funeral Home. Calling hours will be at 11 a.m. at Arlington Church of God, 539 South Arlington Street, Akron, Ohio, with funeral service at 12 p.m. Interment immediately following at Mt Peace Cemetery, Akron, Ohio. Family, friends and out of town guests are invited to share a meal following interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent in Marilyn’s honor to: Arlington Church of God or Akron Children’s Foundation (akronchildrens.org/giving).