Marilyn "Marnie" Abel, 83, died on Thursday, April 16, 2015.
Marnie was born July 3, 1931 in Waterloo, Ia., to Mr and Mrs J. F. "Hans" Wagner, who preceded her in death. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Marnie was a member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church where she sang in the church choir for 50 years. She was a graduate of City High School in 1949 and the University of Chattanooga in 1953. Marnie worked as a medical technologist at Erlanger Medical Center for over 40 years, and the T.B. Hospital for five years. She was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity as a student and was active in the Chi Omega Alumni for many years. Marnie was a faithful volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, James (Jim) Abel, Jr.; daughters, Janet Pickett and Susan (David) Higgins; sister, Nancy (Herb) Hughes; sister-in-law, Martha Jane Payne; nephews, Bryn (Nicole) Hughes and Mose (Lisa) Payne; nieces, Kathy Hughes-Fraitekh and Beth (Bill) Cox; grandchildren, Matthew Higgins, Daniel Higgins, Jacob Higgins, Adam Pickett and Joshua Pickett; and several great-nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 19, from 5-8 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home-North Chapel.
Graveside services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 20, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
A memorial service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church with Reverend Margaret Ferguson officiating, with visitation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, or to your favorite charity.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.