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Marilyn Pearce White Obituary

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Marilyn Pearce White

Norfolk, VA

November 11, 2015

Marilyn Pearce White Obituary

NORFOLK Marilyn Pearce White, 87, died on Wed., Nov. 11, 2015 in a local convalescent center. She was a native of Norfolk, and the daughter of the late John Edmund and Nellie Acree Pearce. After graduating from Maury High School and Wesley College, she attended David Mannes Conservatory in New York City, where she lived and worked for many years. Ms. White led an unusually full life. She was an understudy in a well-known Broadway play, singer in a famous New York City nightclub, and choir member in one of New York City's major churches. While living in New York, she worked for J. Walter Thompson advertising agency during the "Mad Men" era. She skied in the Swiss Alps, also lived in Hawaii and Peru, and was part of an archeological dig in South America. In 1979, she joined the staff of Old Dominion University as secretary in the Music Department, the University Library, and History Department, retiring after 14 years of service. She was active in The Little Theatre of Norfolk, serving on the Board of Directors for many years, and was a longtime member of the Archaeology Society of Nansemond County. She was also a member of St. John's Anglican Episcopal Church. Survivors include 3 nephews, Peyton Giles Townes, Jr., John Armistead Townes, and Bruce Overton Townes; 3 great nieces and a great nephew. A graveside funeral service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Mon., Nov. 23rd in Forest Lawn Cemetery with the Rev. Father Robert Whitaker officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Norfolk SPCA, 916 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23504 or to The Little Theatre of Norfolk, 801 Claremont Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com

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