* Marilyn S. Sorrell; Pacoima Center Director

Marilyn S. Sorrell, who was the first director of the Pacoima Multipurpose Center, has died at a Santa Barbara hospital. She was 64.

A resident of Lancaster and former longtime resident of Pacioma, Mrs. Sorrell died Jan. 8 of cancer, said her sister, Natalie S. Vaughn.

Born Marilyn Sanks on Nov. 17, 1926, in Alexandria, Va., she came to California in 1947 and worked as a clerk for the Los Angeles County assessor’s office for many years. In 1972, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and math from Cal State Northridge.

In 1978, she became the first director of the Pacoima Multipurpose Center, where she helped start an adult day-care program. Mrs. Sorrell then worked as social services director at the Valley Shelter in North Hollywood in 1986-87 before returning to the Pacoima center, where she served as director full time until her health worsened in July.

She is survived by her husband, Howard R. Sorrell of Lancaster; daughters Marilyn S. Ramsey and Joyce S. James of Lancaster, and Patricia S. King of Lake View Terrace; brother Robert B. Sanks of Mays Landing, N. J.; sister Natalie S. Vaughn of Alexandria, Va.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation is planned from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Rucker’s Mortuary, 12460 Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima, which is handling the arrangements. A funeral is scheduled at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church of San Fernando, 1525 Glenoaks Blvd. Burial will follow at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, Newhall. Donations can be made in Mrs. Sorrell’s name to the American Cancer Society.