Marilyn Deal Harrington, was born November 7, 1925 in Alexander Co. to the late Coleman A. and Katherine L. Deal. Our beautiful friend, mother, Nana, and aunt joined her beloved husband, Moffat in Heaven on Monday, January 28, 2019. The blessing of her life touched so many for 93 years.
Her abundant energy was known and appreciated in many capacities. Her early years of servanthood to her church was a much-loved achievement. Her years at Statesville Senior High School, from l971 to retirement at age 75, gave her immense satisfaction and joy. Her respect and rapport with a study hall full of students needing mentoring gave motivation to a generation of grateful minds. Her years in the SHS office were filled with many acquaintances, teacher and staff friends, with unforgettable memories throughout her many years. Her city of Statesville celebrity status was teased about on the many outings with her caregivers and family that resulted in store aisle or parking lot reunions. Her ‘genuine’ love for all mankind was evident in her attitude and actions. The hospitality given anyone in her home was hugely welcoming! Her volunteerism as Pink Lady at Iredell Memorial Hospital further exemplified her genuine spirit of kindness and compassion. What a gift to ALL who knew her wit and wisdom! Her frequent Marilynisms we so affectionately remember, and imitate, bring us continued laughter. Her time spent in Amy’s salon chair each and every Thursday was sweetness to all who had the pleasure of her company.
Those left to cherish her amazing influence and enthusiasm for life are her devoted grandchildren, Maddy Anderson (Matt), Karen Lang, Shea Harrington, Kyle Harrington (Deanna), her son Richard (Dianne), her daughter Susan (Rod), her precious hospice angels, Fran and Lindsey, the very caring hospice social worker, Dee Dee, her two comic relief and caregivers, Karen and Marty celebrating love, laughter and life with her daily, and her very large and very loved extended family.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her grand/guard dog, Flea, her six siblings, Harry Deal, Billy Deal, Raeford Deal, Dorothy O’Connell, Libby Bebber, and Louise Shuford. Her loving husband, Fred Moffat Harrington predeceased her early in their lives together. Her passing is truly the end of an era. She was often heard to say, “The most precious gift you can give a person is your time.”
A graveside service to celebrate the well lived life of our dear Marilyn will be 11:00 am, Saturday, February 2nd at Oakwood Cemetery, 114 Oakwood Road, Statesville, NC. Pastor Ernie Sheldon of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Statesville and longtime friend, Lynn Kunkle, Chaplain, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell Co. will officiate. Rick Tron will graciously share his beautiful voice as requested by Marilyn. Online condolences can be made to the family at
www.nicholsonfunerals.com
and Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Harrington family.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Gordon Hospice House who shared in our last days with Marilyn. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
Donations may be made to:
Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County2347 Simonton Road, Statesville NC 28625