Mother Marilyn Berry-Harris (79) of Sarasota, Florida Passed from this Life to Eternity to be with the Heavenly Father on March 30, 2026. Visitation will be April 10,2026 6pm-8p.m.at Chandler’s Funeral Home 1425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Sarasota Fl. 34234. Home Going Service will be Aprill 11,2026 11:00am at Trinity Christian Fellowship Center 1800 N. East Ave Sarasota Fl. 34234.
Marilyn was born August 16, 1946, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. with her twin sister (Evelyn) to proud parents, Winston Payne and Jacqueline (Reeves) Payne. Mr. Payne passed away when Marilyn was just five years old. In 1954, the Lord blessed her mother, Jacqueline, to marry the late Rev. A. B. Searcy Jr., who loved the twins as his own. By 1955, the Mission Baptist Church was established by Rev. Searcy in Inkster, Michigan. It was here where Marilyn went to Hamilton J. Robichard High School – Dearborn Heights, MI- Henry Ford Community College – Associate Degree Dearborn, MI. Eastern Michigan University -Bachelor’s & Master of Education at Ypsilanti, MI.
Her Religious Affiliation: Mission Baptist Church, Inkster MI Nehemiah Word of Faith, Inkster MI, Trinity Christian Fellowship Center, Sarasota, Fl. Marilyn was also an Alpha Kappa Alpha. Marilyn worked 36 years in Education as a Third-grade teacher. As a passionate educator, she went on to shape young minds at the Taylor School District in Michigan. In the classroom, she was more than a teacher – she was a mentor, a role model, and a source of encouragement for countless students who carried her lessons far beyond.
As First Lady of Nehemiah Full Gospel Church in Inkster, Michigan, Marilyn’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She faithfully served as a dedicated Sunday School Teacher, nurturing generations of young hearts in the knowledge and love of Christ. As a devoted choir member, her voice, lifted in praise, brought comfort and joy to many. Her generosity knew no bounds. She gave freely of her time, resources, and love, supporting numerous charities and organizations, such as World Vision, St. Jude, Operation Smile, Salvation Army, Goodwill and Kidney Fund among others. Through acts of kindness or philanthropy, she embodied the true spirit of giving.
After her retirement, she relocated to Sarasota, Florida in 2008, where she found joy and renewal in a new church home, Trinity Christian Fellowship Center with Pastor Rev. Dr. R. Vincent Smith, III. Here, she continued to worship, serve, and build meaningful relationships, working with the youth and remaining active in her faith community.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Winston Payne, Jacqueline Reeves Searcy, Rev. A. B. Searcy, Jr., her twin sister, Evelyn P. Rivers and great-great niece, Dior JˊAdore.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her sister, Pamela Searcy Clinkscales; nieces, Yolanda Love, Alisia Rivers, Mariah Clinkscales; nephew, Kevin Love, Jr.; great nieces, Diamond-Jade Love, Savannah Love, Mikayla Love, Dylan Love, Mye Love and Madilynn Braswell; great nephews, Kevin Love, III, Patric Wimberly and Zechariah Stanley; great-great nieces, Soraya Love and Kiˊmarie Love. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Winston Payne, Jacqueline.
Her legacy is one of faith, compassion, and selfless giving. She will be deeply missed and forever rememberd by her family, friends, church community, former students and all who were blessed to know her. She lived her life as a reflection of the scripture:
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Arrangement’s Entrusted to Chandler’s Funeral Home.
Sharon B Lilly
April 10, 2026, 1:48 am
🌷 In Loving Memory of Mother Marilyn Harris 🌷
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Mother Marilyn Harris, a gentle, soft‑spoken woman who truly loved the Lord. Her life was a testimony of kindness, faith, and service.
Mother Marilyn poured her heart into the youth—teaching Bible stories, helping them learn Scripture, and encouraging them to grow in Christ. She had a heart of gold and a love that reached everyone she met.
She loved her family deeply. She loved people. She loved all the Michigan spirit teams and cheered faithfully for her Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She was a prayer warrior, an encourager, and someone who found joy in blessing others.
Her legacy is love. Her legacy is service. Her legacy is Christ.
Please continue to keep her family lifted in prayer.