Marilyn Krause Tolbert

Marilyn Krause Tolbert, born April 26, 1947, passed away on August 29, 2026.

Marilyn will be remembered as a woman who brought energy, warmth, and unmistakable personality to the lives of those around her. She enjoyed flowers and seasonal décor, and she treasured spending time with her large family. She loved shopping with her sisters, especially trips to Belk, and those times together became part of many cherished family memories. In her early years, her weekends were often spent up the country being everyone’s hairdresser, caring for others in a way that was both practical and personal. She was known for being a clean fanatic, for bossing everybody around in a way her loved ones knew well, and above all for having a heart of gold. Marilyn was also a faithful member of Sims Chapel Holiness Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Tolbert; her father and mother, Bo and Ida Reed; her step-son, Terry Krause; and her siblings Mauvella Reed, Amos Reed, Dimpse Rivers, Charles Reed, Lewis Reed, Lettie Reed, Robert Reed, Verna Rae Reed, and Harvey Reed.

Marilyn leaves behind a large and loving family who will carry her memory forward with gratitude and affection. She is survived by her sons, Lance Krause (Jodie), and Vance Krause (Lane). She is also survived by her stepchildren, Johnny Krause, Tonya Krause, Marcia Krause, Randell Tolbert (Vicky), Wendell Tolbert (Lori), Glen Tolbert (Tammy), and Kathy Summers.

Her family also includes her grandchildren, Kameron Krause (Sam), Bradley Krause, Ian Krause (Abby), Katie Dawson (Sam), Allison Echols (Tj), Wade Lott (Leann), Reed Krause, and Kayden Baxter. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren, Bowen, Timmy, Carter, and Brewer, as well as a host of step great-grandchildren. Marilyn is also survived by her brother, Willis Reed (Darlene), and by her sisters, Faye Chestang and Francis Heifner (Dusty).

A wake will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM at Sims Chapel Holiness Church. The funeral will take place the following day, Wednesday, September 2, 2026 with a visitation from 1:00 PM until the 2:00 PM funeral service with Bro. Jr Long officiating. Following the services, Marilyn will be laid to rest at Hillsprings Cemetery.

Those who knew Marilyn will remember her for the way she made her presence known, the care she gave to her home and family, and the love that ran through everything she did. Her life was deeply rooted in family, faith, and the everyday acts of devotion that leave a lasting mark. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.