Marilyn Bownds Trujillo

Marilyn Josephine Bownds Trujillo, 79, of Atlanta passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 10, 2014.  Marilyn, or “Mernie” to those who knew her best, was born in Montrose, Colorado and lived in Western Colorado, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles before moving to Atlanta in 1974 with her only child, a daughter named Kim.  She was preceded in death by her parents John Ennis Bownds and Ruth Pauline Bownds and a brother John Bownds.  She is survived by her daughter Kim Wofford and son-in-law Mark Wofford of Tucker; the grandchildren who were the joy of her life, John and Erin Wofford; and a nephew and two nieces. Marilyn was a remarkable woman in many ways.  As a single parent, she raised her daughter Kim with the spiritual and mental support of a close network of friends and family while working for IBM, first as an Art Director and then as a Manager of Creative Services in Special Events. In her job at IBM she was known as someone who was outspoken, brilliantly creative, a perfectionist, and wickedly funny. She cared deeply for her friends from IBM throughout her life. Marilyn was a musician and lover of music as well as a visual artist and accomplished knitter.  After retiring from IBM, she started her own business making jewelry.  She was an active member of First Christian Church of Atlanta until her health kept her from attending. As a breast cancer survivor, Marilyn faced an assortment health issues but never lost her spirit for living. A memorial service will be held at a later date and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.