WILMINGTON — “Mur” to some, was 68 and recently resided in Wilmington, NC. She passed peacefully in her sleep at her home Wednesday, June 22, 2022, and is now in heaven that she strongly believed in. Born in Asheville, NC, she lived in many places in the western part of the state as her parents, Dr. Edgar Harrison Nease, Jr. and Marianna Caldwell Nease served the United Methodist church.
She fondly called Lake Junaluska, NC as her home. She was predeceased by both of her parents, as well as by her only sibling, Eddie Nease. She loved him ferociously and he protected and mentored her lovingly about life. She went to Tuscola High School in Waynesville, NC, got her undergraduate degree in psychology at Columbia College in Columbia, SC, and got her master’s degree in pastoral counseling at Loyola College in Maryland.
Marilynda was a high school social studies teacher and guidance counselor in her early career for 15 years at the Optional Education Center in Winston-Salem, NC. This specialized school was for students who did not function well in traditional high schools. There was always a flock of adoring students around her desk waiting to talk with her. She has always been the consummate listener that many challenged students desperately needed.
Her masters in pastoral counseling next allowed her to start her own private practice so she could help adults with a myriad of issues as she often wove in potential helpful spiritual ideas if the clients so desired.
On a personal note, Mur has always been a dog lover and was known to kiss hers and friend’s dogs on the top of their heads, leaving the red lipstick kiss mark that she became known for. Cute little babies and small children also often got the same unexpected blessing. It was widely known that she also was an unabashed Duke Blue Devils fan. Mur has asked to be cremated and she will be dressed in her best Duke Blue Devis sweatshirt.
Marilynda’s long-time partner of 42 years is, Cheryl Ellen Flynn, originally from NY state, and they were lucky enough to be married too for 8 years. This couple had to carefully navigate many barriers to their relationship in the early years but patiently made many around them come to love them for who they were as the world’s ideas slowly evolved.
No services are planned at this time but a celebration of her life of some sort will occur later. She would have loved it if she knew that any memorial donations in her name would be made to the dog rescue or animal support organization of your choice.
Mur’s favorite quote not surprisingly was, “Listening is the greatest compliment that you can give someone.”
Share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the Tribute Wall.
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.
