Marilyn McIntosh Draughn Gardner died December 23, 2023, in Nashville, TN. She was born June 23, 1937, in Memphis, TN, to Mary Swearingen and Robert Eugene McIntosh. After graduating from East High School, Marilyn studied at Randolph-Macon Women’s College and Southwestern at Memphis. She was a talented pianist and graduated with a major in music and played with the Memphis Symphony. As a summer camp counselor at Camp Nagawicka in Wisconsin she met her future husband Daniel Hawkins Draughn. Marilyn and Dan married in 1960 and lived many happy years in Jackson, MS, where they raised their three children Jeff, Mary Loch and Lyn. She especially valued her friendships created in Jackson where she was active at First Presbyterian Church, the Junior League, various luncheon clubs, and later as a member of the Centennial Club in Nashville.
Marilyn was widowed in 1986, later moved to Nashville, and married James Gardner in 2001 who died that same year. Her relationship with devoted companion Wendell Spragins was rekindled in her latter years. Together they enjoyed life in Boca Grande, FL, and Cashiers, NC. A gifted conversationalist with a quick sense of humor, she always enjoyed the company of others. For many years, Marilyn devoted her summers to Camp DeSoto in Mentone, AL, where she was a camp representative. Being with family and friends gave her much joy.
Marilyn especially loved being a grandmother to Rob (Polly) Smith, Mary Daniel (Drew) Danieley, Sam Smith, Maggie Draughn, Laura Draughn, Emma Downey, and Martha Downey. She was also blessed to have three great-grandchildren Mary Adele Smith, Bert Smith, and Loch Danieley.
Survivors include Jeffrey Daniel (Barbie) Draughn, Mary Loch (Chip) Smith, Marilyn McIntosh (Frank) Downey of Nashville, TN, and brother Robert Eugene (Cindy) McIntosh, Jr., of Davidson, NC.
A memorial service will be held at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, TN, on January 26, 2024 at 2 pm. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Woodmont Christian Church or the charity of your choice. The family would also like to thank Dr. Louis Johnson for his caring ways and the staff at the Blakeford’s Woodcrest Health Center for their compassion.
An online Guestbook is available at: www.crawfordservices.com
