Marlene Chapman Quillen

August 30, 1933 – March 1, 2025

Clara Marlene Chapman Quillen, 91, of Gate City, VA, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Marlene was born on August 30, 1933, to the late Samuel Willard Chapman, Sr. and Goldie Estelle Barker Chapman.  She was a graduate of Shoemaker High School and a member of Gate City United Methodist Church. To her family, she was lovingly known as Bootsie, a nickname given to her by her brothers when she was a child.  

Marlene touched the lives of many with her unwavering faith in Christ, her gift for brightening any room, and her unconditional kindness. She had a unique gift for making everyone feel special and valued, always treating others with a grace that left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

She began her accounting career in 1956 and went on to retire as a Certified Public Accountant. Marlene was an active member of several professional accounting organizations and was named Outstanding Accountant of the Year (1998-1999) by the Tennessee Association of Accountants. Passionate about mentorship, she inspired and guided women entering the field of accounting. Marlene was also the owner of Formal Affairs in Gate City, VA and Johnson City, TN. She enjoyed planning/catering weddings and other formal affairs.    

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Martin Byrd Quillen, Sr., parents Samuel Willard Chapman, Sr. and Goldie Estelle Barker Chapman, brothers Samuel Willard Chapman, Jr., Alex (A.L.) Chapman, Rex Chapman, and Tommy Chapman.

She is survived by her devoted son, Martin Byrd (Marty) Quillen, Jr., and wife Kim of Kingsport, TN; daughters Jennifer (Jenny) Quillen Lane and husband Orbin, Sabrina Quillen Gray, and Renee Quillen Dishner and husband Scott, all of Gate City, VA. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Cody Gray and wife Christina, Luke Gray and wife Brittany, Alli Gray, Olivia Dishner Hicks and husband Luke, Macy Dishner, Hannah Robinson, and Havannah Robinson; her beloved great-grandchildren Kylie Gray, Daniel Gray, and Waylon Gray; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at Scott County Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow in the chapel, with Pastor Rick Begley officiating. Burial will follow at Holston View Cemetery.

To view a memorial video please click here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gate City United Methodist Church, 255 Walnut Street, Gate City, VA 24251 or Scott County Humane Society, PO Box 1535, Gate City, VA 24251.

Carter-Trent / Scott County Funeral Home Weber City is serving the Quillen family.