Marilyn Stroup

Marilyn Stroup, 87, of Zephyrhills, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Heartland Senior Living. Marilyn was born on December 22, 1935, to Jay Z and Lillian Thompson in Gainesville, FL. After moving to Tampa as a young girl, she graduated from Jefferson High School in 1954. She went to Tulane University in New Orleans where she received her registered nursing degree. She married Joe D. Stroup on September 4, 1958. Together they raised a beautiful family. Marilyn started her nursing career at Tampa General Hospital and later joined University Community Hospital where she was the lead nurse of the operating theatre. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jay Z and Lillian Thompson, as well as her sister Sarah. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 53 years of marriage, Joe D. Stroup, daughter Valerie Stroup, son Richard Stroup (surviving spouse Autumn) and daughter Susan Lieberstein (surviving spouse Mark). Marilyn is survived by her sons, Joe D. Stroup II and his wife Lorinda, Mark Stroup and his wife Betsy; Grandchildren Kera and her partner Amanda, RJ, Joey and his wife Carrie, “Little” Mark and his partner Torrie, Michael, Alexander and his partner Louisa, Veda and her partner Michael, Luke and Blake; Five great grandchildren Maya, Michael, Skylar, Rylee and Claire. She is also survived by her sister in-law Vicki Stroup. Also, many nieces and nephews including Tommy and his wife Cheri, Adam and his wife Jessica. Marilyn was a strong, independent woman who loved spending time with her family. She loved hopping on a cruise ship and sailing to the Caribbean. Marilyn enjoyed family gatherings and holidays the most. She was thankful to be among family and friends and persuade her grandchildren into sneaking her an extra serving of dessert. Marilyn’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 10am Loyless Funeral Home, 5310 Land O' Lakes Blvd, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639. Burial will take place at Trinity Memorial Gardens.