Marilyn Sue Crocker Dellinger, aka Nana (pronounced Nonna), left this world, with her sister Karen, aka KK, by her side in the evening of August 21, 2026. She had been battling dementia for years. She was 84.

Marilyn was born in Lincolnton, NC and raised in Cherryville, and except for 4 years when she was in VA with her husband Joel, she lived here all her life. She was only 8 years old when she lost her mother to toxemia and only 18 when her dad died of kidney failure. She married Joel Dellinger at age 19 and moved with him to Norfolk, VA when he entered the Navy shortly after their marriage. She worked for Naval Intelligence for the 4 years Joel was in the service.

Marilyn and Joel never had children, but her little brother Ray and sister KK moved in with them when they were around 12 and 13. They all lived together happily until they left for college. Marilyn considered them her children and always said that the years they all lived together were the happiest days of her life.

After leaving the Navy, Marilyn and Joel returned to Cherryville and Marilyn started working at the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative. She worked there until she retired at 55. After they both retired, Marilyn and Joel began to travel extensively. They travelled the whole U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as much of Europe. As much as she enjoyed the travelling, she always found coming back home and her beloved hometown the best of all.

Marilyn’s greatest love was her family which included (when all were still here) 2 sisters (Pat and KK), 1 brother (Ray), 2 brothers-in-law (Bob and Carl), 4 nieces (Carla, Pam, Jaclyn, Rachael), 1 nephew (Logan), 4 great nieces (Leslie, Emily, Riley Charlotte, Arya), 4 great nephews (Dylan, Brandon, Jake, Landon), 2 great-great nieces (Luca and Rivie), 1 great-great nephew (Sage). After the death of her sister Pat, Marilyn became mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. Marilyn took great joy in attending ballgames of every kind. She was so much fun and had a great sense of humor. All the children adored her.

Marilyn loved, when she was healthy, to host family get togethers and take thousands of pictures. These pictures brought her immense joy, especially in her declining health years.

Marilyn was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church all her life. She was an active member there and loved the church very much. She considered the members there as extended family.

Marilyn remained her sweet, wonderful and kind self to the end of her life. She thanked her caregivers each and every time they did something to help her. She would smile and be grateful. She was a special human being to the end.

Her family will carry her memory, her kindness, and her love, with them forever. Marilyn’s (Nana) physical presence will be missed always and her family’s love for her will never end. Never.

Rest in peace dearest Nana….until we meet again.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 11:45 AM, prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Lunch will be provided after the burial.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com