Marilyn Maner Brackett Pierce

Marilyn Katharine Maner Brackett Pierce, born October 1, 1940, in Wadesboro, NC, passed peacefully on April 2nd in Raleigh, NC, at her home amongst family and tremendous support from Transitions Hospice and Always Best Care Senior Services.  She was a brave fighter during her  Illness, but was ready to be with Jesus and other members of her family.  She was predeceased by her parents, James Fleetwood Maner, Sr. and Sara Ellen Krause Maner; her husband, John Kenneth Brackett; and her brother, Jeffery Nelson Maner.  She is survived by her son, Brett Ashley Brackett (Dane); grandsons, Daniel Kenneth Brackett and Aaron Jeffery Brackett; and brothers, James Fleetwood Maner, Jr. (Jeanne) and Andrew Fenton Maner (Georgia).  She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews and lifelong friends, in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Marilyn grew up in Wadesboro, NC, the oldest of four children.  She helped with the care of her brothers as her mom helped her dad in the grocery store, Maner and Murray Grocery.  While in high school, Marilyn was active in many clubs, including the Editor of the High School Newspaper (Student Prints).  She was an excellent student who later attended Meredith College, graduating in 1962 with a major in English.  She also pursued a master's in Library Science at Middle Tennessee State University.  After college, she married John Kenneth Brackett, a college basketball coach, and became a stay-at-home mom, taking care of their only son, Brett.  Upon Ken’s death in 1978, Marilyn and Brett moved back to North Carolina, where Marilyn worked as a librarian at a local public school in Mount Gilead, NC.  As she loved reading, she enjoyed showing children books they might like and learn to enjoy reading.  In her retirement years, she was a frequent visitor to the Wake County Library.  After her son, Brett, married and had children, Marilyn moved to Raleigh to be near their family.   She had a love for kinds of card and board games, and developed an interest in Mahjong.  Even though Marilyn lived in many places during her lifetime, she kept up with her friends from high school and took regular trips with them.  Marilyn enjoyed spending time with her grandsons and was a devoted fan of their soccer games and extracurricular activities.  Everyone who knew her will miss her kindness, sweet smile and caring attitude.  A recent comment from her friends is, “we think the world of her and she was always a joy to be around”.

There will be a celebration of her life by family and close friends.  

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to support Marilyn’s last wishes and provide donations to support children’s ministries at Wakefield United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC.

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland WHeeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. 919-556-7400

www.cswfuneralhome.com