Marilynne Sue Denison

Marilynne Sue Denison 6/7/1944 – 3/8/2025

Lake Mary

Marilynne Sue Denison died peacefully in Altamonte Springs and went home to Jesus on March 8, 2025. She was born June 7, 1944, in Denver, Colorado, to Marjorie Victoria (Dunning) Turner and Harold Lewis Turner. She grew up in Colorado and Montana with her three siblings, Ernie, Carol, and Larry, graduating from Lakewood High School in 1962. The family had additional travel stints as her parents served as directors with Child Evangelism Fellowship. Marilynne graduated from Sterling College in Kansas in 1966. She received her Master’s of Arts degree in Speech and Communication from the University of Hawaii in 1967. During her studies, Marilynne was active in collegiate and community theater, developing skills she would use throughout her life.

After graduation, Marilynne began her teaching career, which would take her all over the world. She taught in Baltimore, Maryland; Royal City, Washington; Deltona, Florida; Cairo, Egypt; Ibadan, Nigeria; Columbus, Mississippi; and St. Augustine, Florida. While teaching at all levels from elementary to college, her focus was primarily Gifted Elementary Education. Bringing fun and challenging activities to learning, Marilynne wrote scripts and directed student theater productions and developed a “Kidercize” fitness routine. Marilynne was awarded “Teacher of the Year” in Volusia and Flagler counties.

Marilynne began running in the 1970s, running 40 marathons including the Pike’s Peak Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Marine Corp Marathon. She shared her love of running with her daughter, Roz, and granddaughter, Hope.

While teaching in Cairo, Egypt, Marilynne met the love of her life, Patrick Denison, of Market Harbour, England. They married in 1988 and lived abroad many years through Patrick’s engineering work in Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. They retired in Crawfordville, Florida, to enjoy the outdoors life of hiking, bicycling, and kayaking with Marilynne’s brother, Larry. Patrick passed away in 2008.

After Patrick’s passing, Marilynne continued her love of fitness, theater, and travel. She became a certified Zumba instructor and a fitness coach, inspiring many to reach fitness goals as she lived in Crawfordville, Inverness, and Lake Mary, Florida. She took Hope on annual adventure trips and traveled with friends through trips with Backroads, Overseas Adventure Travel, and Roads Scholar. Marilynne traveled to all seven continents, and her adventures included a Polar Plunge in Antarctica, skydiving, and roaming the Great Wall of China. On her final Mediterranean Cruise in November 2024, Marilynne taught Zumba classes during the At Sea days at the request of the cruise activity staff.

In retirement, Marilynne continued her parents’ example of serving God and others, and began a second career of teaching drama and fitness to adults with special needs. Working with the Key Training Center in Inverness, Kairos Adventures in Sanford, and Mephibo’s House in Longwood, Marilynne adapted scripts and directed theater productions, giving her students the opportunity to shine. Through Zumba and activity games, Marilynne taught her students to love fitness and exercise. Marilynne was awarded Citrus County “Citizen of the Year” award through her work with the Key Training Center. Marilynne retired from Mephibo’s House in January 2025.

Marilynne was preceded in passing by her parents and husband. She is survived by daughter Roz Schoenwetter (Keith) of Longwood; granddaughter Hope Schoenwetter of Longwood; brother Ernie Turner (Isabel) of Ft. Lauderdale; sister Carol Vlangas (Bill) of Orange City; brother Larry Turner (Ginger) of Crawfordville; nephews Robert Keller (Krista), Evan Keller (Karen), Daniel Keller (Vikki), Stephen Keller (Jennifer), and Jeremy Keller; and many great nieces and nephews.

Marilynne will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all whom she has inspired. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marilynne’s memory to Mephibo’s House https://mephiboshouse.org/

Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, March 21st, at 3:00 pm (Eastern) with visitation beginning at 2:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home; South Seminole Chapel 335 E State Rd 434; Longwood, FL 32750. Per Marilynne’s request, wear bright colors. You can also wear comfortable shoes for walk following service at Reiter Park.

To share your memories of Marilynne or to leave a special message for her family online, please visit the guestbook below.