Marilyn Rogers Jones

July 29th, 1953 – September 30th , 2026

A remembrance reception for close family, friends and neighbors will be held at 6 o’clock on Friday, October 9th, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo.

Marilyn passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 at the age of 73. Born in Southern Pines, NC, and long-term resident of both N. Augusta and Columbia, SC, she was the daughter of the late Kathryn Anne McCaskill and the late Drake Combs Rogers. She graduated the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and worked as an R.N. specializing in pediatric care with a long tenure at Palmetto Pediatrics as head nurse, a dedicated role in the Epworth Children’s home community, and a final foray into government family psychology with the LCCMHC - Child, Adolescent & Family Services Clinic and Emergency Services in Lexington - where she was state employee of the year before retiring.

Marilyn loved South Carolina, the beaches and nearby mountain regions. She was a creative, artistic “lefty” and kind daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, neighbor, and volunteer. As a young mother she held leadership roles in church and Girl Scouts, encouraging young women to embrace science and to stand tall. She prided herself on being a Southern lady and always held the part. Her own jewelry and Christmas decoration collections could not be matched. In her home environment, true to her profession, there was never a lingering germ.

Marilyn cared deeply for her beloved late husband of 43 years, Homer E. Jones, Jr., and personally nursed him through very difficult years of kidney failure. She generously inspired her three grandchildren with anecdotes, laughter, and fun. She loved traveling to New Orleans and Paris, France to visit family and explore French culture and cuisine before moving to assisted living in 2025.

In addition to two younger sisters, she is survived by her daughter, Emily Jones Slatni (Farid); grandchildren, Savannah, Dean and Flora; best friend Laura “Missy” Rogers; mother-in-law Polly West Jones of Spartanburg County; brother-in-law and family; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Marilyn fondly remembered her N. Augusta High School friends, the “Old Dogs” from her nursing career and her close circle of chosen family in the greater Columbia area until the very end. Her multitude of cats were her babies too, and she enjoyed their antics thoroughly over the years.

The family would like to pay special thanks to the excellent care teams at Oakleaf Village of Lexington and All Seasons hospice for their quality of service and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Epworth Children's Home in Columbia, SC.