Marilynn Holland Putman

McKENZIE, Tenn. — Marilynn Ann Holland Putman, 84, died on Monday, November 24, 2025. 

Marilynn is survived by a daughter, Carol (Victor) Parkins of Milan, a son, Paul (Traci) Putman of McKenzie, a sister, Anne Holland Gilchrist, and a brother, Paul (Linda) Holland, all of Nashville, and four grandchildren, Holland Parkins, Jordan Parkins, John Tyler Putman, and Blair Putman.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Alma Holland, and husband, of 51 years, Robert (Bob) Putman.

Marilynn was born in McKenzie on February 7, 1941, to Paul G. and Alama Wimmert Holland.  She graduated from McKenzie High School in 1959 and was the salutatorian of her class.   During high school, she played basketball, and while at Bethel, she was a cheerleader. 

She graduated from Bethel College in 1962 and earned a degree in Education.  

Marilynn is a retired educator, a member of First United Methodist Church, Morning Glory Garden Club, and Inglenook Book Club.  She sang in the FUMC choir for many years and truly enjoyed being a member of these organizations and the camaraderie with all of the ladies.  In her spare time, she enjoyed playing the piano, reading, and mastering sudoku puzzles.

On Oct. 28, 1962, Marilynn married her high school sweetheart, Bob Putman, after she graduated from Bethel College.  She later proudly served as the First Lady of McKenzie while Bob was mayor from 1987 to ’94.  Marilynn and Bob loved to play golf together at Carroll Lake Golf Course. 

Family was very important to her. The loves of her life were always her husband, children, and grandchildren.  She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.

Funeral services for Marilynn Ann Holland Putman are on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at McKenzie First United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Thursday morning from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. Interment will follow at Mt Olivet Cemetery.

For anyone considering a memorial gift, the family suggests the McKenzie High School Alumni Association (114 W. Bell Ave., McKenzie TN 38201) as a worthy charity. Please note with the donation that it is in the memory of Mrs. Putman.