Marianne Henson

Marianne Henson, age 93, of Marianna, FL passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023 with her loving family by her side.

Born March 13, 1930, Marianne Schmailzl started her life in Nurnberg, Germany. Her parents filled her life with adventure and natural beauty as they traveled the train into the mountains and elsewhere. She was an avid traveler and enjoyed new sights. Marianne lived in Germany during the war, 1939 to 1945, meeting her first husband, Paul H. Britt, a soldier stationed in Nurnberg. She came to the states on January 19, 1954 to marry him. 

Marianne was a devoted mother, housekeeper and obtained her American citizenship in 1961. She had special love for animals, cooking, sewing, yardwork and raising her two girls. For a brief time, she was the proprietor of Longbranch Bar in Marianna, from 1971 to 1974, with her husband who died June 1973. Marianne remarried in September of 1977 to Willie Donald Henson, who died May 2022. They lived in Atlanta, GA, returning to Marianna in 2002 until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Blasius and Anna Schmailzl; husbands, Paul H. Britt and Willie Donald Henson; her daughters, Julia Hodges; and her granddaughter, Marianne Elam.

Marianne is survived by her daughter, Monica Elam of Bonifay; granddaughter, Paula Livergood; and great grandchildren, Danielle and Carlton all of Marianna; grandchildren, Marianne Hodges of Dothan and Alan Hodges of Minnesota; three step grandchildren, Chad Hodges, Gwen Strickland and Alicia Grogan; along with her special friend, Kathy Powell.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church (3009 5th St., Marianna, FL 32446) with Father Philip Fortin officiating. Inurnment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. 

The family would like to thank Covenant Hospice and Enhabit Home Health for the support shown during this difficult time.

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