Jerry Lee Marlin was born on November 16, 1954, to Jones and Alma Marlin in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was 1 of 9 children. Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Mazie Capers Marlin, on January 5, 1977.  From this union of 46 years came two sons: Jeramie Alexander and Jarret Braxton Marlin. Jerry loved his family and the family gatherings!

Jerry was baptized as a young man and was always interested in helping others.   He served as the youth leader at Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ in Indianapolis, IN for several years where he mentored hundreds of children and motivated them to be followers of Christ.   Later in life, he was invited to serve as an elder at the Henderson Church of Christ in Henderson, NC.  As always, he accepted the challenge.

He dedicated his life works to service and education. Upon graduating from Winston-Salem State University in 1977, he started as a math teacher and football coach at Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.   He later moved to school #94 as an Art teacher but continued to coach football with Coach Robert Woodard who was a good friend and mentor.  Some years later, his love for education grew and he would receive his Master of Education from Indiana University. Jerry continued to build his love of serving in education.  He also received a master's degree in educational leadership from Butler University. As a school administrator, he created an organization M. A. P.  (Minority Administrators Program) to inspire encourage and help other young African Americans to pursue roles in school leadership.      He served as principal for Bunker Hill Elementary, Washington, DC (K -5), Mary Potter Intermediate School, Oxford, NC, (4-6), Shortridge Middle School, Indianapolis, Indiana, (6-8) and George Washington Carver High School, Memphis, Tennessee (8-12).  When his work was done, he would collect the state flag and wait for his next assignment.   Jerry decided to take down his shingle permanently after working for Job Corps in Kittrell, NC for approximately 10 years.  His retirement afforded him the opportunity to enjoy working with wood, renovating buildings, going to car shows, watching the Indianapolis Colts, and traveling,

Jerry Lee Marlin was preceded in death by his father, Jones Alexander Marlin; his mother, Alma Lucky Marlin; his two brothers, John Henry Marlin and Larry Alexander Marlin; his sister, Mary Anne Turner; his first-born son, Jeramie Alexander Marlin; brother-in-law, William Campbell; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Marlin and Christine Marlin.

He leaves to mourn his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Mazie Lee Capers Marlin; his youngest son, Jarrett Braxton Marlin and his wife Talitha Brown Marlin and their unborn child whom Grandpa affectionately referred to as "Jelly Bean"-he was so excited about becoming a grandparent.  He also leaves behind three sisters, Alma Campbell, Rosetta Dennis (Ronald), and Debbie Ann Gary (Kevin); two brothers, Isaiah Marlin and Robert Lee Marlin; a sister-in-law, Theresa Rucker (Artis);  Bro. Jerry also leaves to mourn a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.  Principal Marlin will truly be missed!

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.  Graveside services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, August 31, 2023 in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.