Marilyn Blackburn Ledford

Marilyn Blackburn Ledford passed to her heavenly home on Saturday November 11th at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Palliative Care in Winston-Salem, with loving family gathered around. Marilyn was born to Rufus and Hettie Blackburn on July 18, 1934. She was the 5th of six Blackburn children: Her older siblings Ruby Blackburn Lambert, Eugene Blackburn, Ed Blackburn, and Donald Blackburn all preceded her in death. Her younger brother Dr. Gil Blackburn survives. Marilyn married her dear husband Jay B. Ledford on September 11, 1955 upon his return from serving our country in the Korean War. He preceded her in death 35 years ago in 1988. Marilyn was the beloved mother of Danny (Toni) Ledford, David Ledford and Donna Ledford (Mike) Smith, who survive her. Her great sadness was that her youngest child Dwight died as an infant in 1967. She was blessed with two grandsons that she loved dearly: Alex (Brooke) Ledford and Zachary (Brittany) Smith. Her great-grandchildren were her pride and joy: TJ Bobbitt, Boone Bobbitt, Wyatt Ledford, Hattie Rose Ledford (born just last month), Walker Smith and Barrett Smith (to be born this upcoming January). Marilyn was the consummate wife that followed Jay wherever his job with A&P took him, whether it be Mount Airy, Winston-Salem, Columbia SC or Myrtle Beach SC. Wherever they were, Marilyn made a cozy home that was a gathering place for the kids’ friends or a destination for visiting family and friends. This was especially true when they resided at Myrtle Beach or later when they had a summer spot for many years at Mountain View Lake. Marilyn was a gifted artist with her brushes and paints and made countless memorable gifts for family and friends. Her home was always adorned with unique decorative furniture and items that she made from nature’s bounty. Her Christmas Santas and snowmen were treasures. She was also an artist in the kitchen and for years had weekly meals for the children and their families after they left home. She was gifted at her sewing machine and pioneered the first monogramming business in Mount Airy many years ago. Additionally she was a bookkeeper extraordinaire and most always had a job in finance wherever she resided. She was a devoted member of Central United Methodist Church, joining along with her family, in 1963. She especially enjoyed working annually with her church Missions Team in preparing food boxes at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She had a servant’s heart at home, at church and in the community. She was loved and appreciated by her church family and was recognized in 2017 by being named Lay Person of the Year. Her love of God never faltered, even when she lost both her son and her husband prematurely and her health failed in recent years. The family is most appreciative of the kind and compassionate care Marilyn received during her time in Forsyth Palliative Care. Marilyn’s life will be celebrated Saturday, November 18th at 11:00am at Central United Methodist Church. Preceding the service, visitation will take place in the church parlor from 10:00-11:00am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marilyn’s memory to Central United Methodist Church, 1909 N. Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030.