Marilyn Lavella Craig Harkleroad, of Bristol Tenn. died Wednesday, Aug 30, 2017, at Park Manor Nursing Home in Houston, TX. She was born in Shelby, NC, the daughter of the late William Pinkney Craig and Martha Lucille Ivy Stallings Craig. Marilyn was a long-time resident of Bristol Tenn.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William Pinkney Craig and Martha Lucille Ivy Stallings Craig, her brothers Russell Monroe Craig, Orlyn Winifred Craig and William Kenneth Craig, her sister Annie Blondine Craig and twin sister, Carolyn Laverna Craig Dibble.

She is survived by her ex-husband, Brady Harkleroad of Bluff City TN, her sister, Coleen Lucille Craig Wheeler, long time resident of Bristol VA, her son, Warren Brady Harkleroad Jr and his wife, Pam Williams Harkleroad of Houston, Two grandsons, Luke Jared Harkleroad and Michael Alexander Harkleroad of Houston and granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Harkleroad of Houston. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn graduated from Bluff City High School in 1959 and then attended Virginia Intermont College, where she studied Art. She worked at Strong Robinette Bag Co for several years where she carved the art designs for the paper bags. Throughout her life she supplemented her income by being a care giver for many years, caring for infants, children and the elderly and later worked at McDonalds for 10 years where she made those delicious biscuits every morning.

Marilyn was added to the Cradle Roll of Euclid Ave Baptist Church in 1942 and has been a faithful member throughout her life. She became a Christian at the age of 9 and she loved the Lord with all her heart. She loved playing the piano and singing the old hymns. How Great Thou Art was one of her favorites. She helped with the children’s ministry and especially looked forward to working with the Vacation Bible School every year. She loved nature, arts, and crafts, and liked to tell people that she was an artist.

Marilyn moved to Houston to be closer to her son for her final years. She lived at Copperfield Estates where she quickly made many friends and acquired the nickname, “Birdie” because of her variety of bird call whistles. She was loved by many people throughout her life. She was a gift from God and she will be missed.

A memorial service will be held in Bristol, TN later in October. Details will be posted once arrangements have been made. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Euclid Ave Baptist Church Benevolence Fund.

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