Marilyn Sheen (Gattis) Wiberley

Marilyn Wiberley passed away peacefully at Shannondale of Maryville with her loving husband, J. Albert Wiberley, at her side. She was a devoted mother to Debbie Heimburger (David) of Springfield, WV, John Wesley Gattis VII (Penny) of Limestone, TN, and Mary Gattis (Patrick Kuhn), of Lititz, PA.

Marilyn graduated from College High in New Jersey (1951) where classmates predicted “if the United States ever has a woman president …it will be Marilyn”. She then attended Oberlin College (1955) where she continued to hone her inherent leadership skills. Faced with a major life change after her first husband and father of her children, John W. Gattis VI (1932-1975) was diagnosed with a terminal illness, she enrolled at George Peabody College where she built a community of support while pursuing a postgraduate degree in child psychology (1974).

Serving as a school psychologist with Metro Nashville Public Schools, she was a tireless advocate on behalf of children. After relocating to East Tennessee in 1984, she launched the next phase of her career at Maryville City Schools, where she took on the role as Supervisor of Special Education. A natural leader, she served as president of the Tennessee Association of School Psychologists and as a delegate of the National Association of School Psychologists.

An avid lover of the outdoors, she had a lifelong attachment to the Adirondack Mountains, where she first camped at just 8 weeks old. She will forever be remembered by her children for her early-morning wake-up calls to go for a swim as she had done with her father; this tradition has been continued throughout the years with a few of her great-grandsons even answering the call. For many years, she and her dear friend, Thelma, enjoyed an annual escape to North Myrtle Beach, SC, where they refilled their wells after giving so much to others. They continued this tradition for nearly 50 years.

Later, she and Al rediscovered Maine and Mount Desert Island where she had traveled with her parents as a child. Bass Harbor, ME became their summer residence for over 30 years. They became legends, volunteering with the Friends of Acadia and members of the Tremont Historical Society while gathering more life-long friendships. She literally left her mark - restoring wildflowers, maintaining trails, eliminating invasive species, and marching with the Imprecision Drill Team in the annual Bar Harbor 4th of July parade. The Great Smoky Mountains were home, though, and her presence will always be remembered there.

No matter where she was, Marilyn applied her knowledge, skills, and muscle to make the world a better place. She was a pace-setting lover and companion in hiking, kayaking, cooking, eating, and traveled with Al from Central America to Alaska to New Zealand to the UK. Most significant of all, she did things with her authentic warmth and, when needed, persistence. Simply put, she met life head on. When asked about her legacy she regularly noted her children Debbie, Wes, and Mary. But all who knew her, know she will forever be remembered for her smile that lit up the world!

In addition to her loving husband and children, Marilyn is survived by granddaughters Adria Heimburger Gordon (Collins) of Nashville, TN; Kyla Heimburger (Julian Richardson) of Bunker Hill, WV; Steven Lorenz (Kami) of Wake Forest, NC; Heather Lorenz of Kingsport, TN; Lizzy and Hannah Schell of Lancaster, PA; as well as eight great-grandsons Gavin, Jordan, Jackson, Nathaniel, Julian, Josiah, Kyrie and J’vonne. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished friends, and countless others who called her “mom”. Marilyn’s view of family extended broadly, she is also survived by Al’s children all of Knoxville, TN; Kurt Wiberley (Lori), Jeff Wiberley (Jenny), Greg Wiberley (Carolyn) and all of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Barbara Ann Sheen (d. June 7, 1933); her parents, Gertrude and the Rev. Warren P. Sheen; and her brother, Roger Sheen.

While no formal memorial service will be held, her family takes pride in knowing that the life she led gives everlasting cause for celebration and serves as an indelible inspiration to all who knew her. Marilyn was deeply committed to humanitarian, social justice, and environmental causes - and, as we all know, she loved a good party. In her honor, we invite you to lift a glass, share a memory, and make a contribution to Friends of Acadia by using the link provided below or another charity close to your heart.