Marlene Southerland

Marlene Joan Rocco Southerland, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 16, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was defined by love, integrity, humility, and deep faith.

Born on May 17, 1936, in Carteret, New Jersey, to the late Egidio and Julia Rocco, Marlene, known to all as "Rocky", was raised with a strong foundation of family values and faith. She graduated from Carteret High School and later earned a degree in chemistry from the University of Colorado-an accomplishment that reflected both her intellect and determination.

While attending college, Marlene met the love of her life, Davis James "DJ" Southerland, Jr. The two eloped to Las Vegas, beginning their 69-year marriage with adventure and spontaneity. They later returned home and celebrated their union with a larger ceremony in New Jersey, surrounded by family and friends.

Before starting her family, Marlene worked at Kraft Foods, where she was involved in food testing, applying her scientific training in a professional setting. She eventually stepped away from her career to devote herself fully to raising her children-a calling she embraced with unwavering dedication.

Marlene and DJ made their home in Decatur, Georgia, where they raised five children and created a household filled with love, laughter, and steadfast support.

After her children graduated from high school, Marlene returned to the workforce, joining Macy's Department Store. She quickly became a top sales associate, known for her professionalism, warmth, and meticulous attention to detail. Her customers knew her by name and returned to see her year after year. Marlene took great pride in her work and the relationships she built there. She retired in 2006, after which she and her husband enjoyed traveling together and spending time with family.

Marlene devoted herself wholeheartedly not only to her family but also to the many neighborhood children. She also served as a troop leader for both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, often leading adventures alongside her husband.

A woman of strong Catholic faith, Marlene was actively involved in her church community, and her faith guided her daily life through prayer, service, and compassion for others. She found great joy in cooking for those she loved, and one of the family's most cherished traditions was gathering around the table for her homemade meals-most famously, her fried chicken, a favorite across generations. Marlene also enjoyed traveling, believing in the value of shared experiences. Whether near or far, she found happiness simply being surrounded by those she cared about.

She is survived by her children: Linda Jones (stepdaughter), David Southerland, Randy Southerland (Terri), Terri Southerland, and Susan Acklin (Tim); her grandchildren: John Crain, Corey Southerland (Morgan), Tyler Southerland (Meghan), Jordan Southerland, Kiernan Acklin, and Trey Acklin; and her great-granddaughter, Julia Southerland.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Davis Southerland; her parents, Egidio and Julia Rocco; her brother, Rudy Rocco, and her sister-in-law, Anne Rocco; and her daughter-in-law, Janice Southerland.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, May 22, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Parish Hall of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2855 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to DeKalb County Animal Services, a cause close to Marlene's heart. Donations may be made online at: https://dekalbanimalservices.com/donate/

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on IHM's Facebook page and website:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHMAtlanta/ Website: https://ihmatlanta.org/livestream

From her children: We will forever carry our mother's love, faith, strength, and traditions in our hearts. She was our constant, our example, and our home-and we will miss her more than words can express.