Marie Funderburk Kerlin

Marie is survived by her husband of forty-eight years, Gus Lee Kerlin, Jr.; a daughter, Amy Kerlin Handy (David) of Tallahassee, Florida; two sons, Gus Lee Kerlin lll, (Christin Carter), and Malcolm Mitchell Kerlin, both of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren, Emma Marie Handy, Samuel Grey Handy, Carter Gus Kerlin and Brynklee Sophia Kerlin; two sisters, Betty Kohn (Teddy) of Georgetown, SC, and Judith Funderburk of Charlotte; and four nieces and nephews, Ted Kohn (Laura), Harriet Apostolou (Alex), Caroline Perlman (Scott), and Jackson Steppe.

Born to the late William Malcolm and Addie Jackson Funderburk, Marie was reared in Bennettsville, SC. Marie was the editor of her high school annual and was voted most likely to succeed, which she lived up to as evidenced through multiple successful business endeavors. She attended Salem College and pursued a double major in History and French at The University of South Carolina earning a BA. She earned a Master’s in Education from Queens College.

Her professional endeavors included building a successful traveling horse show shop, creating a photography business, and becoming a certified special education teacher. Marie loved spending time at horse shows with the equestrian community. Her fondness for weddings led her to create Providence Photography, through which she photographed hundreds of weddings. In addition to becoming a successful wedding photographer, Marie captured thousands of personal photos visible throughout the family home and in many photo albums which reflect visual records of the events and people she held most dear. Her love for young people compelled her to tutor and teach throughout her life. When her children were young, she cared for other young children in the family home. Once her children were in college, she pursued a graduate degree and taught special education classes for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools.

Her greatest love was her family. Marie was passionate about her children. She loved throwing festive children’s parties, and she created in the family home a magnet for neighborhood kids. Marie thrived on holidays when her children and grandchildren would converge on the family home for family celebrations. Her Christmas trees were always grand with presents stacked high, and through holiday meals together, Marie created an enduring legacy of family time together.

She was dearly loved and will be missed by all of her family, including those with four feet.

A funeral service will be held for Marie on April 9th, with visitation from 1:00 – 1:45 pm; 2:00 pm service at Harry & Bryant Funeral Home in Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203.