Marilyn Martin Nelson Bullis

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, Marilyn Martin Nelson Bullis, on February 4, 2026.  Born on February 15, 1939, in Pascagoula, MS, to the late Joe Watts Martin, Sr. and Rose Emma Pugh Martin, Marilyn is preceded in death by her son William E. “Bill” Nelson, Jr.; her best friend and first husband, William E. “Bill” Nelson, Sr.; her brother, Charles L. Martin;brothers-in-law L. Walker Foster, Sr. and Frank W. Richard; and sister-in-law Jerri Lutsch (George).

Marilyn is survived by her children Donna Lollar (Ronnie), Captain Dave Nelson (Melanie), and Theresa Feller (John); Grandchildren Jackie Lollar, Ronnie Lollar (Theresa), Amanda Reitmeyer (Brad), Savannah Nelson, Nicole Noblitt, and John Noblitt (Olivia); Great Grandchildren Brody Reitmeyer and Brinlee Reitmeyer; sisters Joanne Foster, Roselyn Richard, Maureen Martin Lewis (Tom); two brothers Joe W. Martin, Jr. (Kay), and James H. Martin (Rita); sisters-in-law Jeanie Martin Maxwell and Nell Nelson; and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.

Marilyn proudly served the Government of the United States for 50 years, spending 34 of her 50 years of federal service working for Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SupShip) at Huntington IngallsPascagoula.  She had a deep love for the Navy, working there until she was 75 years old.  Prior to SupShip, she worked for the National Marine Fisheries Service.  

Marilyn could often be seen in her yard on River Road. She loved working in her beautifully manicured yard. We will greatly miss seeing her cutting hedges, picking up sticks, raking and bagging leaves, and cutting the grass.  She was a person of wisdom and strength with a firm belief in her faith. We will miss her unwavering support and deep love for us all.  We will miss her deeply – her strength, her sweetness, and the quiet way she showed up for all of us.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victories Church in Pascagoula with rosary to be recited at 9:45, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.  Graveside service will follow at Machpelah Cemetery in Pascagoula.  Pallbearers will be Ronnie Lollar, Jr., Ronnie Lollar, Sr., John Noblitt, John Feller, Walker Foster, Jr. and Joseph Foster, Sr.  O’Bryant O’Keefe is in charge of all arrangements.   

You may send condolences to her family or share a memory of Marilyn on the Tribute Wall of the funeral home website.  www.obryantokeefe.com

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