Marilyn Lassiter

Marilyn Smith Lassiter, 69, passed away with her loved ones by her side, on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, at her nieces' home in Whiteville, NC.

She was born May 9, 1947, in Bladenboro, NC. The daughter of late Fred Smith Jr. and Beulah Edwards Smith. In 1965 Marilyn graduated from Bladenboro High School. She later attended Bladen Community College, where she was elected President of the Student Government Association. She received her Real Estate and Brokers License in NC. and SC. Most of her working career was in sales and she was a loving caregiver for many years also. She was a passionate animal lover, often adopting and fostering many pets, as well as a supporter of many animal rights organizations. She enjoyed home decorating, poetry, films, cooking, and train rides.

She was preceded in death by her loving and dedicated husband of 38 years, Charley Thomas Lassiter. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, June Ashley Smith, and sister, Rose Marie Smith. Marilyn is survived by her brother, Robert Smith; sister, Cecilia Bittle and husband, Michael; brother, Linwood Smith and wife, Cathy; Several loving nieces and nephew, whom she thought of as her own; Christy S. Hayes, Michael Brent Strickland, Bridgett Sakach, Amanda Bittle, Linwood Smith Jr., and Jeffrey Smith. She also leaves behind two beloved pets, her chihuahua Pepe and cat Pasha.

At her request, there will be no funeral proceedings or visitation. Family and friends gathered in her honor this past Sunday and Monday evenings. In honoring her wishes, Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home will be handling her cremation services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family at :
466 High Orchard Rd. Whiteville, NC. 28472, or to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, as well as the Humane Society.