Obituary of Marilyn Jones Patrickis

Marilyn Jones Patrickis shared love, gentleness, strength, kindness, and great energy with everyone she met, and everywhere she went. 

On October 8, 2018 Heaven opened its doors and escorted Marilyn away from this earthly life to join those who went before her. 

Marilyn’s mother, Ada Ward Jones and her father, John Linwood Jones lived in Chicago, Illinois from 1928 to 1938. Linwood worked in Chicago’s Field Museum, and Ada enjoyed a circle of valued friends during their time in Chicago. Marilyn was born in Chicago on January 20, 1936. In addition to her mom and dad, Marilyn’s family included her sister Dorothy, 12 years old at the time, and Ada’s young sister, Helen Ward, 15 years old at the time.  When Marilyn’s family left Chicago they returned to Wilmer, Alabama to join their extended Ward family. Marilyn’s father worked in several places around the south, including Atlanta. Linwood’s last job before his retirement was at Bellingrath Gardens near Mobile, Alabama. The Jones family had moved to Mobile, and Marilyn graduated from Murphy High School in 1952. 

After two years at Georgetown College in Kentucky, Marilyn transferred to her “dream school”, the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. While in Tuscaloosa pursuing business education and music studies, Marilyn met Nick Patrickis of Burlington, New Jersey. They married in 1956, and they both graduated from Alabama in 1957. They moved to Birmingham, Alabama after graduation and began their careers. In 1958 they added daughter Terry to their home, and their son Andy was born in 1960. Along with being an outstanding and happy mother, Marilyn shared her musical gifts professionally. She taught piano lessons in Birmingham, and she was active in the local and state professional music teaching groups. Marilyn also taught Sunday school at 76th St. Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. She served as pianist for the Sunday school, vacation Bible school, children’s choirs, and evening services.  In 1977 Marilyn challenged herself to use her formal business education. She accepted a job in the human resources department at SouthTrust Bank. She worked there until her retirement in 2001. Many of her friends and colleagues from the bank have remained close to her even after she left Birmingham. 

In 2003 Marilyn and Nick moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Nick passed away in 2010 after a long illness. While caring for Nick and after his death, Marilyn built a full life in Chapel Hill, including another class of amazing and sweet piano students, membership in United Church of Chapel Hill, and a very wide circle of friends. 

Marilyn lived life lovingly and generously always in every place she lived. Marilyn is survived by her children, Terry Lynn Patrickis, and Terry’s husband, Kevin Endo of Carrboro; Andrew Patrickis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; grandchildren, Margo Patrickis, Caroline Patrickis, Alexa Patrickis; and Marilyn’s nephew Trey Fore of Nashville, TN. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the United Church of Chapel Hill, 1321 MLK, Jr. Boulevard, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.  Marilyn Patrickis will be interred in the church garden following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Marilyn’s three favorite charities: United Church of Chapel Hill, Independent Animal Rescue of Chapel Hill, or Covenant House which is a national charity for homeless teenagers.

Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is assisting the Patrickis Family.