Marilyn Liles Jones

Marilyn Liles Jones passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025. Born on April 11, 1953, in Laurinburg, NC, Marilyn lived a life rich with friendships, service and dedication to her family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, cousin, and aunt to a family which brought her great pride and strength. Marilyn’s gentle spirit and warm smile was truly a light to everyone she knew. Her compassion and love toward family, friends and community were evident in the ways she invested her time and energy, always willing to serve, often through her special talents.

Marilyn was the oldest child of Carl Lester, Jr and Mary Liles McLaurin Jones who preceded her in death. She is survived by her brothers Carl Lester (Les) Jones, III and Reubin McLaurin (Mac) Jones (Julie) and a sister, Susan Jones Turner (Rob). Marilyn was the proud aunt of five nieces and two nephews: Carl IV (Lucy), Sara Beth Tindall (Wilson), Patricia Hall (Trevor), Davis Jones (Lilli), Virginia Kennington (Jonathan), Mary Leonard (Bryan) and Sally Ashburn (Zach). She was also the loving aunt to 10 great nieces and nephews.

Meredith College held a special place in Marilyn’s life and heart. She was a proud member of the Class of 1975, earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. After several years with the Baptist Children’s Home and United Way in two communities, Marilyn returned to serve Meredith College for 23 years in the Office of Institutional Advancement, retiring as the Director of Funding Research.

Marilyn found joy in the love of many interests…her Scottish heritage, Meredith College, her church, the handbell choir, Circle, Book Club and Daughters of the American Revolution. She loved all things Scottish whether it be exploring family history, sewing a kilt or scarf from the family tartan, hosting the clan tent at the Scotland County Highland Games and even trying to like haggis (once). She had a love of classical music and enjoyed singing as a member of the Choir and playing Handbells at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Marilyn enjoyed many years of friendship as a longtime member of Circle M at the church. She loved to read and served many years as the leader and a member of the original Meredith College Alumnae Book Club. Marilyn had a special interest in NC history, actively serving as a member of the Samuel Johnston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for several decades. She was a skilled cook, quilter and seamstress. Everyone knew if you had a question about preparation or the proper technique, you went to Marilyn for expert advice.

Marilyn loved the beach. She cherished summer vacations every year at Holden Beach with her family, including many years with a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. She especially loved those times singing rounds with everyone as Uncle Buddy played the Ukelele. As family trips became less frequent, Marilyn looked forward every summer to the annual beach trip with a group of girlfriends, walking, talking, shopping, eating, cooking, and reading on the beach.

Marilyn was blessed throughout her life with a large circle of loving friends. They became an invaluable source of encouragement and strength following her diagnosis. During the past two years, Marilyn enjoyed countless visits and hundreds of cards filled with personal notes that lifted her spirits. The smallest acts of love and kindness brightened many days. A visitor with handpicked flowers or a chocolate milkshake always brought an extra ray of sunshine her way.

One of Marilyn’s most cherished associations was with her Meredith friends. She had a deep sense of belonging in a special sisterhood that included classmates, co-workers, alumnae, and staff from many departments. A thoughtful and loving pair of Meredith friends established A Go Fund Me page that generously funded many of Marilyn’s expenses when it was needed most. Other Meredith friends provided unexpected and profound levels of support that moved Marilyn beyond words. From the grounds crew to the security team to the maintenance staff to the President of the college to this dear sisterhood, Marilyn took great pride in being a part of the Meredith family.

No group of friends was more important to Marilyn than Mary Lu and the Side Street Restaurant family. She was quick to lend a helping hand to the restaurant and staff even while working full-time. Whether she made cheese straws, helped with catering or loaned her pasta machine, Marilyn loved being part of this family. Her family cannot adequately express their gratitude for Mary Lu and the Side Street family for their love and support.

A deep and special thanks go to Dr. Donette Vicente and the entire team and staff at Rex Cancer Center for their expert care and kindness throughout Marilyn’s journey. The family is specifically grateful to Griswold Home Care and Transitions Hospice Care of Raleigh. Their skill, compassion and care have been a true comfort to Marilyn and her family.

Marilyn’s legacy of love, kindness and dedication to her friends and family will continue to live on through the lives of all she touched. We celebrate the life she led and the profound impact she had on our hearts. No one was better loved by so many.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday March 14, 2025, at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, where family and friends will gather to honor and cherish her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Meredith College Class of 1975 Endowment for the Chaplains Fund or White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Music Ministry.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, is serving the Jones family.