Ms. Marian Morton, a legend in the Charlotte area real estate community, passed away peacefully after a long illness on January 2, 2021. A long-time resident of Charlotte, Marian was born in Corinth, Mississippi, the daughter of Paul Tate Strickland and Mary Lou Francis McCarley Strickland.
Raised in Liberty, NC, Marian graduated from Liberty High School class of 1953 where she was president of her senior class, captain of the cheerleading squad and voted Best All Around by her classmates. After high school, Marian attended Kings Business College before working in Washington DC for the United States Navy Special Projects Office, which developed their Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM) program. She held a top secret clearance and reported to the Chief Civilian Engineer.
Later living in Salisbury, NC as a young mother, Marian became involved with what is now The ARC of North Carolina, an organization that advocates, protects and promotes the rights of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This was a cause near and dear to Marian’s heart and she was very proud of the work she did on early legislation to establish the educational rights of children with disabilities.
Marian became a licensed real estate agent in 1976 while living in Pearisburg, Virginia and permanently relocated to Charlotte in 1978. Through her indomitable will and tenacity, she rose to the pinnacle of the Charlotte real estate community, achieved numerous top producer awards, and was in the top 3% of agents nationwide.
She treasured each of the many families she served, with some becoming close friends whose children and grandchildren she assisted with home purchases. She was known and respected throughout her industry for her integrity, professionalism, knowledge and grit.
Although Marian was very proud of her professional accomplishments, her truest joy was her family to whom she was completely devoted. Nothing made her happier than attending her grandchildren's dance recitals, sports games, and band concerts. Her favorite vacation spot was Holden Beach and she loved to spend early mornings watching the sunrise over the ocean with a hot cup of coffee, and afternoons watching her family enjoy time on the beach.
Marian was a lifelong learner and passionate reader of world and American history and loved to discuss how events shaped the course of humanity. Later in life, she discovered a passion for square dancing, gardening, and bird watching. She found particular joy watching her backyard bluebirds and looked forward with excitement to their return each season.
Marian was a beloved member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, and especially enjoyed her lively Wednesday book group friendships.
Marian was predeceased by her parents and siblings Jeanne (2000), Corinne (2010), and George (2014.) She is survived by her children, Rachel Miller (Bob) of Baltimore, MD, Melissa Morton of Charlotte, NC, and Elizabeth Banks (Eric) also of Charlotte, NC. Marian was the proud grandmother of Mary Elizabeth, John, and Caroline and great-grandmother to Gohan. She is also survived by Lady, her beloved Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
Due to COVID restrictions, a private family committal service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church. A public celebration of her life will be held at a date to be determined.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Novant Health Cancer Institute and Hospice and Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ARC of North Carolina (arcnc.org)
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