Obituary of Marlene Davidson Zimmerman Cope
Marlene Davidson was born February 5, 1936, in Claiborne, Tennessee. She was one daughter born from the union of Joe and Bobbie (Baker) Davidson. With the class of 1955, Marlene graduated from Claiborne County High School.
At a young age, Marlene developed a passion that would eventually blossom into an affair with gardening, particularly focusing on an orchard of apples, peaches, and pears. Her orchard was her sanctuary, and over the years, she perfected the art of nurturing her fruit trees, ensuring that each season brought forth a bountiful harvest. This orchard was not just a source of sustenance, but a symbol of Marlene’s dedication, patience, and care.
Marlene’s love for her orchard was matched only by her love for her community. Every other week, like clockwork, she would make up a batch of her famous cookies. These sweet treats became a local legend in Claiborne County. Whether it was the friendly post office ladies or the hardworking mechanics at the garage where her stepson Mike worked, Marlene’s cookies were cherished.
Her life in Claiborne County was simple yet fulfilling, however, life took a poignant turn when Marlene bid farewell to her orchard and moved to Michigan two years ago. With no immediate family left in Tennessee, the pull of her son and his family grew stronger. In Michigan, Marlene found joy in the proximity of her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Her days were now filled with the laughter of family gatherings and the warmth of newfound family traditions.
Marlene Davidson Zimmerman Cope, age 88, of Monroe, passed away at her home, on Tuesday July 2, 2024, at 11:25am. In addition to her passing, she is preceded by her first and second husbands.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her son: Mark (Cathy) Zimmerman; three grandsons: Robert Zimmerman, Lonnie Bray, Ryan (Kristen) Bray; seven great grandchildren: Lonnie Bray, Elizabeth Bray, Victoria Bray, Connor Zimmerman, Carson Zimmerman, Brooklyn Bray, Addison Bray; and two great greatgrandchildren: Lonnie Bray, Johnathan Neill, Uncle Carl Davidson of Monroe and Cousins Jean and Stanley Baker of Tazwell, Tennessee.
Friends may gather Tuesday July 9, 2024, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A celebration of Her life will take place at 11:00am, on Wednesday July 10, 2024, also at Merkle’s. A procession to Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow.
Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave word of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.