Marilyn Anita Emory Heiser Obituary (1952 - 2024)

Born Apr 20, 1952, Marilyn Anita Emory Heiser attended Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Marilyn Anita Emory Heiser.

Graduation Year	Class of 1970
Date of Birth	Apr 20, 1952
Date of Passing	Oct 30, 2024
About	Marilyn Anita Emory Heiser lost her battle to cancer on 30-October-2024, she was 72. She was surrounded by her husband and her children. This strong, beautiful woman fought cancer since 2020 and never gave up the fight until it took her. Marilyn lived in Edenton, NC with her husband where they had an art studio. She was retired and loved to oil paint portraits. She was an outstanding chef and had a passion for cooking. She was an avid reader and loved books. Prior to retirement, she worked in many areas. She had been a graphic designer, and an art director. She broke the glass ceiling when she moved into corporate positions as a plant manager, quality manager, and general manager at various companies. Marilyn and Richard moved to Edenton, NC in 2017 where they restored a historic home for their residence and art studio. Marilyn’s design and aesthetic vision resurrected the 100-year-old building into a warm home for the two of them along with their pet cats. She loved to travel and had toured Europe with her husband Richard. They were married in Paris in 2014 at the park near the south leg of the Eiffel Tower. Marilyn had known Richard since 1968 when they dated in high school. They reconnected at their 40th high school reunion in 2010. They were deeply in love, they were soulmates, and they still are. She had a kind and empathetic soul; she gave to others without question. She had a passion for taking care of those less fortunate than her and helping others. This empathy carried over into her career as she worked in corporate positions to nurture and support the employees in her charge. She valued those that worked with and for her and through her ethic was able to achieve goals beyond expectations. Her gentle, kind soul revealed her humanity and humility as she would lift others up and expect nothing in return. She is survived by her husband, Richard Heiser, of Edenton, NC and her children Heather Margeson, Dustin Richardson, Sarah Kamara, and Katy Blackard all of Richmond, Va. as well as Richard’s children Craig Heiser, Amanda Heiser, and Jonathan Heiser. She has fourteen grandchildren, including the grandchildren of her husband. She has two surviving brothers, Joel Emory of Black Mountain, NC and Brian Emory of Marshall, NC. Her older brother, Derle Emory, preceded her in death in 2019. Marilyn was born on 20-April-1952 in Durham, NC and grew up in Raleigh, NC in the Five Points area of Glenwood Ave. She attended Hayes Barton Baptist Church and graduated from Needham Broughton High School in 1970, and then attended Massey College in Atlanta, Ga. studying graphic design. Her parents were James Emory and Leola (Dollar) Emory who both preceded her in death.
Events	There will be two celebrations of life. First on 27-Jan-25 at Sam Miller's 7PM - 9PM in Richmond, Va. and the second on 8-Feb-25 at the Chowan Arts Council 4PM - 6PM in Edenton, NC.