Marilyn V. Dunning

Published 11:02 am Wednesday, February 26, 2025

AULANDER – Marilyn Vick Dunning, cherished wife, mother, daughter, aunt, and friend, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 24, 2025, at her home in Bertie County, North Carolina, at the age of 73. Born on December 9, 1951, Marilyn spent her life displaying unwavering devotion to her family and her faith.

A graduate of North Johnston High School, she continued her education at Emmanuel College and UNC Pembroke, eventually settling into a life filled with love, faith, and service. Marilyn was a longtime dedicated member of the Millennium Pentecostal Holiness Church, where she served in many capacities, always with a servant’s heart. Her commitment to her church family was matched only by her love for her own family and friends.

Marilyn had a profound love of nature, flowers, and gardening, spending countless hours tending to her flowers with gentle hands and a joyful spirit. Christmas was her favorite time of year; she delighted in decorating her home beautifully and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all who visited. Her great love of music brought joy not only to herself but also to those around her.

Family gatherings were a highlight of Marilyn’s life; she relished hosting and sharing precious moments with loved ones, including her beloved granddog, Gizmo. Her love extended far and wide, encompassing her family and an abundance of friends who will miss her deeply.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Adrienne Marilyn Dunning; her father, The Rev. Wiley Daniel Vick; two brothers, Samuel Vick and Phillip Vick; sister, Ercel Pierce; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Acree and Rebecca DeCoste; and five brothers-in-law, Charles Mayo, Alonzo “Boney” Pierce, William Dunning, Lawrence Dunning, and Carl Dunning.

Left to cherish Marilyn’s memory is her devoted husband, Ronald, of the home; her cherished daughter, Angela Dunning Boyd and husband Jonathan of Washington, NC; her loving mother, Lillie Parker Vick of Falkland, NC; and her dear sisters, Annette Vick Mayo of Falkland, NC, and Janie Vick Dail and husband Andy of Tarboro, NC. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Michelle Vick of Jamesville, NC; sisters-in-law Judy Dunning of Fallon, NV, and Jeanne Dunning of Seaford, DE; and brother-in-law Richard Dunning and wife Diane of Middleton, ID. Many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends also mourn her passing.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie, NC. A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Millennium Pentecostal Holiness Church in Aulander, NC, with Rev. Taylor Latham officiating. Interment will follow at Aulander Cemetery in Aulander, NC.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to Millennium PH Church Attn: Missions Offering, PO Box 416, Aulander, NC 27805, or online by visiting tmcfunding.com, searching fund/type: Marilyn Dunning.

Online condolences can be shared at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC (252) 332-3122.