Marilyn Lorene Ward Moore

Marilyn Lorene Ward Moore, 81, passed away in her home on Tuesday, June 3, in Rocky Mount, NC. She was born in Brunswick County, NC, to T.T. and Inez Ward.

The family moved to Rocky Mount when she was nine, and Marilyn developed deep ties to the community that lasted throughout her life. She graduated from Rocky Mount High, then Salem College, eventually marrying her high school sweetheart and giving birth to four children. Marilyn prized her family, friends, and children, and everyone knew her as someone who cherished all times spent with loved ones, especially if there were board games or music involved. She was a gifted piano player who adored playing Broadway musical numbers, anything in the Baptist Hymnal, and Marvin Hamlisch. No one could beat her at Scrabble or Boggle, though many tried. She served as a social worker for Nash County with programs for mothers and children until she retired. Marilyn’s happy place was Ocean Isle Beach at the family cottage, where she spent many summers frying fish and hushpuppies with her mother, and teaching all the children how to find the perfect shells, enjoy family sing-alongs, and read a tide chart.

She is preceded in death by her son, Frank Stephen; her mother Inez; her father T.T.; her sister Julia; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her children Ben, Marlowe, and Spence; her grandchildren Thomas, Henry, and Lily; her daughters-in-law Amy and Megan; her brothers, Ted and Garry; and sisters-in-law, Martha and Julie.

A Special Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Marilyn’s children would like to acknowledge her wonderful Hospice nurse, Latisha, and the tireless compassion of her caregivers–Pam, Marquetta, and Sheena–of Stacy’s Home Care Service.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.