Marilyn Koonce

Former Miss Fayetteville (1963) Marilyn E. Koonce 72, of Murrells Inlet, SC died Wednesday August 17, 2016.

Marilyn was born April 8, 1944 in Fayetteville. She Attended Hope Mills High School, St. Mary's College in Raleigh, graduated UNC Greensboro then got her masters at University of Georgia.

She lived a life of giving to her family and friends. Marilyn touched many lives through thoughtfulness, wisdom and an ever ready smile. Through her lengthy illness she even touched the lives of all her healthcare professionals, never a complaint always concern for others.

Marilyn was so proud to represent her hometown as Miss Fayetteville and cherished her memories of that special moment in time. Her crown was always on display in her homes and she enjoyed wearing the crown on every birthday.

Her working career was filled with successes in sales marketing, direction of special events for Belk, and most importantly to her, being a marketing teacher with regional and national recognition.

Marilyn is survived by brothers Charles (Connie) Koonce, Don (Sharon) Koonce, sister-in-law, Peggy Koonce, very special friend Tanna Hutton, and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Calvin and Mary Koonce and her brother, Calvin Koonce, Jr.

Special thank you to Marilyn's "Care and Encouragement team at home": Tanna Hutton, Carol Walters, Peggy Koonce, Peggy Johnson, Bylent and Svelte Abazi, Becky Usher, Amy Felter and Alice Collier.