Marilyn Louise Barlett Taylor, 80, of Clayton, passed away on Tuesday August 5, 2025, with her husband and children at her bedside.

Marilyn was born in Youngstown, Ohio on February 6, 1945. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Clarence Leroy Barlett and Mrs. Helen Victoria Toczek Barlett. In addition to her parents, Marilyn is preceded in death by her older sister, Elaine Davison. She grew up in Brunswick, Ohio and was a 1963 graduate of Brunswick High School. She was retired from Frye South Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC.

Marilyn was a member of Way of Life Baptist Church in Clayton, NC. She had a deep faith and love of God, which was always present in her smile and how she treated people with grace and kindness.

Among the many things that she enjoyed in her life, she loved traveling to & exploring coastal destinations, lighthouses, and fishing. Additionally, her hobbies included reading and working on jigsaw puzzles during leisure time. Holidays spent with her family were always her favorite and she always made them so special for everyone.

Left to cherish her sweet memory is her life-long sweetheart and husband of 59 years, Donald Taylor of the home; her two sons, Brian Taylor (Beth) of Rockingham, NC and Jeff Taylor (Melissa), of Selma, NC; and her two treasured grandchildren, Cobi Taylor (Kayla) of Goldsboro, NC and Lana Taylor, also of Goldsboro.

In honor of her wishes, there will be no services for Marilyn. Her family will hold a private ceremony together in the near future.