Marilyn Abrams

In Loving Memory of Marilyn Hillman Abrams

Visitation and Memorial Service

Visitation for Marilyn Hillman Abrams will be held at 2:00 p.m., with a Memorial Service to follow at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at Smith Funeral Home in North Little Rock.

Family

Marilyn Hillman Abrams, age 84, of Little Rock, passed away on Saturday, August 23. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Gladys Sharp and Otto Spaht; her husband, Nash Abrams; and her sister, Mary Pigman. Marilyn is survived by her children: Brenda Murphy (Hayward), Rebecca Chandler (Jason Armbrust), Tom Hillman (Judy), and Heather Hopkins (John). She also leaves behind grandchildren: Lorin Allison (Dan), John Murphy (Leslie), Roxanne Chandler, Madison Hillman, Jack Hillman, and J.P. Hopkins, Casey Binz (Greg), Kimberley Maurer (Paul Crusher), Brad Carpenter (Darren Glenn). Her great-grandchildren are Sam, Miles, and Noah Allison; Amelia and Tommy Murphy; Cooper and Caleb Binz, and Daphne Maurer. She was well-loved and cherished by all.

Early Life and Family

Marilyn was born in Shenandoah, Iowa, and moved to the Clearwater/Largo area of Florida, after her father returned from World War II. She enjoyed spending time at the beach, driving her father's convertible, and swimming in the clear waters of Weeki Wachi Springs. Marilyn graduated from Largo High School and married her high school sweetheart, Woody Hillman. Together, relocated to Fordyce, Arkansas, had four children and built a family business. She was active in Fordyce civic organizations, the Girl Scouts, and the First United Methodist Church.

Career

Marilyn was known for her exceptional cooking skills, which she used throughout her second career as a chef and kitchen manager. She worked at the Fordyce Country Club, Camden Country Club, and Lake DeGray Lodge. She served as a sous chef at The Palm Court in Memphis and worked as a kitchen manager for Timex and Maybelline. Marilyn continued her passion for cooking in her later years, working for nearly ten years in the production kitchen of Loblolly Ice Creamery, even past her 84th birthday.

Personal Life and Interests

Marilyn shared a deep love of dance with her second husband, Nash Abrams. They were known for dancing together at any venue, and would clear the floors, undeterred by others. Nash’s involvement in the Little Rock City Beautiful Commission inspired Marilyn to join him in efforts to beautify the city, and together, they often picked up litter around downtown Little Rock. Marilyn was a long-time resident of Quapaw Tower and downtown Little Rock, and she was a member of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. She cherished her view of MacArthur Park, frequently walking there with Nash and her grandchildren.

Family Connections

Her children and grandchildren were the center of Marilyn’s life. While she was grateful to have some family nearby in Arkansas, she traveled to visit those who lived in North Carolina, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, or wherever they resided to ensure that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always felt her presence. In her later years, she especially enjoyed visiting Topsail Island and searching for shark teeth.

Hobbies and Legacy

Marilyn was an avid reader, carrying home books by the pound to enjoy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Central Arkansas Library Foundation in her memory.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.