Marlene Eatman, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend passed away on April 26, 2026. She was born on October 6, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan to Rosemary and Johnny Eatman and was the second oldest of five children. 

Marlene received her education in Detroit, Michigan, attending Monteith Elementary school, Nolan Middle school, King High School  and Pershing High School. She later received her high school diploma at Job Corps where she studied welding. Throughout her life she worked at HQ, Technicolor, Mt. Glover's Flower and Hair Shop and the New York City Parks Department. 

Marlene was truly the life of the party. She loved to have fun, knew she was "that girl," and always enjoyed a good time. Whether she was  cracking jokes---even during serious moments---or just keeping everyone smiling, she was the person everyone wanted to be around. She was especially known for her signature red lipstick, eyeliner and sunglasses. No matter where she went, she always had her lipstick on. 

She was the "fun auntie," making sure the kids always had goodies, a small but loving gesture that meant the world to them. She was full of life and  loved taking pictures, hosting and attending barbecues and learning new things.  One of her favorite places to travel was  to New Orleans, a place she visited time and again. Travel was one of her great loves----if Marlene wanted to go somewhere, she always found  a way. 

She spent several years living in New York City, working with the New York City Parks Department, making new lifelong friends and enjoying city life. She later moved back to Detroit where she would live for the remainder of her life, helping to raise her grandson Deon and enjoying being surrounded by family and friends in her home city. 

Marlene always kept it real and stood firmly in who she was, her strength, humor, kindness and love touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Before her departure from this world, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. 

She was preceded in death by her mother Rosemary Eatman, her father Johnny Eatman and her sister Cathleen (Cathy).

She leaves behind her loving daughters, Tiarra Janelle Hagwood, Wanda Lanette Eatman and Angel Eatman and  five cherished grandchildren--Deon Karon Hagwood, Jamel Anthony Velez, Leonard Hill, Le'ann Rose Hudson and Leon Johnny Hudson. 

She is  survived by her siblings: her older brother Eldridge (Dennis) Eatman, Karen Eatman and Yvette (Marrion) Eatman along with a host of aunts, nieces and nephews, cousins, extended relatives and dear friends who loved her deeply. She also leaves behind her special friend Don, with whom she shared  a close bond. 

She will always be remembered for her warmth, strength, laughter and deep love of family. Her memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

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