Marilyn Price Lovett

Dr. Marilyn Jean Price Lovett, beloved mother, nan, and sister, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2017 surrounded by her family and friends after a brief battle with Leukemia. She was born to the late Edison and Helen Price on March 30, 1952 in Huntington, West Virginia. She was the youngest of eight children born in a large and loving family. Eager to explore the world she later called Newport News, Virginia and Laurel, Maryland home. Marilyn’s enthusiasm for education began as a student at JE Robbins Elementary and continued during her time at Stonewall Jackson HS where she graduated with honors in 1970. Her passion for education continued as she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Marshall University (1974) and her Masters degree in Behavioral Disorders from West Virginia University (1980.) She later decided to pursue her Doctorate at Virginia Tech, while also balancing life as a school administrator and mom; she completed her studies in 2000 with a focus on Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Marilyn dedicated her career to serving children with special needs, whether through direct instruction or advocacy. She served as a teacher and administrator in Newport News Public Schools for 27 years before spending the remaining 11 years of her career with Fairfax County Public Schools. After retiring in 2012, she continued her commitment to mentoring the next generation of educators by serving as a professor at George Mason University, working with her final class of students in May 2017. Marilyn’s commitment to serving others was not only reflected in her work in the public school system, but also as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and as a woman of God devoted to her Catholic faith. She was an active member of Saint Nicholas Parish in Laurel, MD where she served as an Eucharistic Minister. This passion for education and service has shown through in her grandchildren in recent years. Marilyn was the regular Wednesday night homework helper for her grandsons and often came prepared with her own “Nan” assignments. Last summer she set up “Nan’s Reading Summer Camp” at the Silver Spring Public Library, complete with a closing expo to showcase their reading progress from the summer. Family and her role as mom, nan and sister were most important to Marilyn. This is where she drew her strength and leaves her legacy of perseverance, tenacity, and love. Her signature gift of thoughtfulness, shown through her ability to never miss acknowledging a special occasion or memory will never be forgotten. She possessed a contagious smile and loving sense of humor. Known for her ease in frequent conversation, Marilyn had a way of asking thoughtful questions and allowing family, friends and even strangers to open up to her. It was not unusual to leave her side for a moment only to return to find her engaged in deep conversation with a new friend. Marilyn’s commitment to service and genuine love for people has impacted everyone she encountered. She is proceeded in death by her parents Edison and Helen Price, and her brother, Edward Price.She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter Kymber Lovett-Menkiti (Bo) and her grandsons Braxton, Carter, Clayton, her granddaughter Jazzmen; her siblings, Elaine (Roosevelt-Dec), Malcolm (Loretta), Florence (Aaron), Howard (Jodi), Charles (Sonia -Dec), her twin sister Mary Jane and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the Marilyn Lovett Scholarship fund care of the CPMG Foundation at 3401 8th St., NE, Washington, DC 20017