Marilyn Parker Reaves, 55, gained her wings on March 30, 2026.
Born in Richmond County on Oct. 17, 1970, to Richard and Martha Parker, Marilyn made her home in Union County.
She was a dedicated nurse assistant on the cardiac unit at Atrium Health Union in Monroe, where she cared for others with compassion and heart.
Marilyn was a loving wife to what we could only call her soulmate; a devoted daughter, sister, and aunt who cherished her nephews and niece. She was a mother who loved deeply and gave endlessly, always putting her children and grandchildren first.
She found joy in traveling, listening to classic rock and roll, watching her LMN and Hallmark movies, and never missing WWE. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family. She loved every holiday, but Christmas was undoubtedly her favorite. She had a way of making it magical and bringing her family together with so much love and laughter.
She leaves behind her daughters, Kelli, Jessica, Cortney (and her husband Cameron) and Brittney (and her husband Todd); her beloved grandchildren, Destiney, Travion, Jaycion, Noah, Aurie, Karter, Faith, Kaiden, and seven other cherished grandchildren; her parents, Richard and Martha Parker; her brother, Ricky Parker (and his wife Aubrey); mother-in-law, Gloria Reaves; sister-in-law, Kim Calvert (and her husband David); and many other loving family members.
Marilyn was immensely strong, hardworking, and truly giving. She was the heart of her family. She was, in every way, a sunflower… warm, bright, and full of life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Reaves, along with other loved ones who welcomed her home.
The immediate family invites family and friends to come together for a time of remembrance and visitation on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Harrington Funeral Home, Hamlet.
A Going Home service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Nebo Wesleyan Church in Hamlet. Burial will follow, alongside her husband, in the church cemetery.
Flowers are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Marilyn by spreading acts of kindness in her memory.
She is forever our sunflower.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
