She served the community for over 30 years in the field of nursing, beginning her career as a LPN, later working in the ER as a RN, and concluding her career in hospital administration; she continued to be the medical expert for family and friends and served those who she loved with medical advice, service, and compassion. She had a lifelong love of learning and enjoyed watching educational documentaries and reading medical and scientific articles, along with the occasional murder mystery. Her hobbies also included crafting jewelry, shopping, traveling, and tracing her ancestry. She would often entertain guests with pictures of her family linage, and tell stories of distant relatives.
She is survived by her husband Stephen A. Whittemore, one daughter, Elizabeth Brooke McCurdy (Andrew) of St. Petersburg, FL, one sister, Sue Kirschner (Pinky) of New Bern, NC, one step-sister Betty Johnson (Curtis) of Suffolk, VA, one step-brother Jimmy Heath (Mary), and a nephew, Clay Kirschner (Kelly) and his son Rhett of New Bern, NC. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Tilghman and Doris and James Heath, and her sister Ruth Faulkner.
Her service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Cotten Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park.
Flowers or memorials may be made in her name to the CarolinaEast Foundation or the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association.
Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com
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