Marianne McEachern Royal
February 23, 1948 – May 21, 2026
Marianne McEachern Royal, 78, of Ocilla, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, May 21, 2026 passing away peacefully at her residence following an extended illness.
Born on February 23, 1948, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, Marianne was the daughter of the late Johnnie Mae Fussell McEachern and John McEachern. She was a proud graduate of the Fitzgerald High School Class of 1966. On July 16, 1967, she married the love of her life, Charles Wayne “Zim” Royal, with whom she built a beautiful life and family until his passing.
Marianne was a woman of profound faith and a member of the Frank Primitive Baptist Church and the Lamplighters Circle. She also served her neighbors for many years as an Irwin County Election Poll worker for the Minnie District.
Known by all as a strong, independent Christian woman. She loved her family. Prior to facing health and mobility issues, she lived an incredibly active life filled with a wide array of passions. She was an avid reader, an exceptional bridge player, and a dedicated researcher of family history and genealogy. As “Meme”, she lovingly helped care for her grandsons as they were growing up. She enjoyed attending their school and sporting events. She loved attending church, traveling, gardening, crocheting, sewing, finding treasures while thrift shopping, and socializing with friends in the Red Hat Society. Marianne was captivated by the beauty of the outdoors, finding immense peace in watching all of nature, especially the many birds that visited her feeders. Marianne was extremely intelligent and was willing to share her knowledge with others. Marianne also possessed a fascinating curiosity for natural wellness; fondly regarded as the family's "root doctor," she took great pleasure in exploring old wives' remedies, holistic health, and the benefits of essential oils.
She is survived by her children, Kim Royal Bryant and her husband Allen, and Christopher Clay Royal; her cherished grandchildren, Zach Bryant and his wife Stephanie, and Mason Bryant and his wife Lauren; and her great-grandchildren, Emerson Roberts, Natellie Bryant, and Adalynn Bryant. She is also survived by her siblings, Billy McEachern (Loretta Hodges) and Martha Maye (Allen Maye); her best friend, Mary Clyde Wright; and a number of nieces, nephews, and her Fussell and Royal cousins. Marianne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 34 years, Charles Wayne “Zim” Royal; her mother, Johnnie Mae McEachern; and her sister, June Spivey.
The family wishes to extend their deepest, heartfelt thanks to her dedicated caregivers, Linda Gail Towson, Amber Hogan, and Liz Moffett, as well as the personnel of Irwin County EMS, Amedisys, and Palliative Care/Hospice of Tiftarea for their compassionate care and support.
The family held a private viewing to remember and honor her life. A memorial service will be held at a later date.