NEW BERN – Marilyn Boone Wheeler, 77, of New Bern, passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2017.

Marilyn was born on April 15, 1940 to William Wilson and Rockie Lassiter Boone. She grew up in Northampton County, NC and graduated from Jackson High School. Marilyn went on to graduate from ECU with a B.S. in education.

Marilyn married the love of her life, Stuart M. Wheeler, on June 30, 1962 at Rehoboth United Methodist Church. Marilyn and Stuart spent the next 55 years doing everything together, including raising their

beautiful family. She spent over 30 years teaching at various schools, including Franklin Elementary School (Franklin, VA), W. G. Pearson Elementary, Brodgen Middle School, and Githens Middle School. She was named Durham City Teacher of the Year in 1982/83. Marilyn had a passion for education and working with children.

After retirement, Marilyn and Stuart moved to New Bern in 2003 and enjoyed their next adventure spending time with new friends, dining, playing bridge, and traveling.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Lemuel and William “Al” Alfred Boone.

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Stuart M. Wheeler; daughter, Amy Simmons (Brian); sons, Stuart “Doug” (Jennifer) and Craig (Dianna); sister, Mary Ruth Boone; sisters-in-law, Linda Boone and Sandra Wheeler; brother-in-law, Stafford Wheeler; eight grandchildren, Brandon (Brianna), Josh, Samuel, Kristen, Nathan, Kaitlyn, Grace, and Hope.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at Tabernacle Baptist Church in New Bern. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s name may be made to Craven County Hospice.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory of New Bern is handling the arrangements.