Marilyn McMurtry Barrios

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Marilyn McMurtry Barrios, 65, of LaBelle, passed away July 12, 2016 in Moshi, Tanzania.

She was born Jan. 13, 1951 in Bainbridge to the late Perry and Juanita McMurtry.

She attended Bainbridge High School and studied elementary education at the University of Indianapolis.

Marilyn was in Africa with longtime friends Lois Curtis and Patricia Schultz at the time of her death, volunteering as a missionary and teacher for the Rafiki Foundation. It was her second trip to Africa helping orphans and widows in distress while teaching in the school and witnessing to the Moshi village.

Marilyn was a teacher for 37 years in LaBelle, Fla., and worked primarily as an English language learner teacher.

After retiring from Hendry County Public Schools, her love of teaching led her to continue working part time in the local schools.

In addition to serving local children, Marilyn was devoted to serving her church. She was actively involved in her church choir, was a teacher and leader of vacation Bible school, and was an organizer of Operation Christmas Child.

She spent her entire life serving the Lord and helping others.

Marilyn also enjoyed spending time visiting her family, going to dinner theaters with her friends, vacationing to Indiana to visit her hometown and relaxing on cruise excursions.

She is survived by her daughters, Alisa and Stephanie Barrios; her sister, Mildred Copeland; brother Gene McMurtry; and her grandchildren, Tori, Zoe and Jackson.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; brother John McMurtry; and husband Dagoberto Barrios.

Graveside services for Marilyn will be conducted at 3 pm. Sunday, July 31 at the Roachdale Cemetery with Pastor Galen Fitzsimmons officiating.

Servies and Morgan Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.