Marilyn Jean Sullivan

Marilyn Jean Eckelberry Sullivan, 92, of Brevard went to be with the Lord

on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Born in Carbon Cliff, Illinois, she was the

daughter of the late Dean Oliver and Florence Huff Eckelberry. ln addition

to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years,

Charles "Red" Sullivan; their son David Sullivan and daughter Diane

Jackman; grandson Ryan Dieterich; and her brother, Bob Eckelberry.

A devoted Christian throughout her life, she loved the Lord and enjoyed

reading Bible stories to her children, knowing the importance of introducing

them to her Lord and Savior, as well as taking them to church and teaching

Sunday school.

She and Charles worked as a team raising their young family on the shore

of the Mississippi River. As the family grew, they moved to the "family"

community of Level Acres, which they developed. Later, she and Charlies

retired to Tucson, during which she worked at the University of Arizona.

They enjoyed riding motorcycles, collecting tea pots, boating, square

dancing and even surfing in Hawai'i. Through Christ, they were committed

to their marriage and to their children. She was strong-willed, sometimes

opinionated, always straightforward in her thinking, very full of wisdom and

able to do anything she set her mind to.

Her greatest joy and pleasure came from her family. She is survived by

her children: Debra Simpson (Richard), Kathy Pace (Michael), Scott

Sullivan (Laura), and Teri #6 (Jerry), her niece and traveling buddy;

grandchildren: Nick (Kim), Beth, Troy (Christy), Cortney, Nathan, Anna,

Stephanie, and David; great-grandchildren: Reid, Averie, Blake, Kellan,

Cayden, Braylin, Jaxsen, Grayson, Madie, Trent, Kiley, Lucas, Noah,

Emma and Josh; her many nieces and nephews; her missionary girl and

family; her sister, Nancy Sullivan; and in-laws Larry Jackman and Loni

Dieterich.

A graveside service will be held for Marilyn at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday,

September 12, 2023, at  Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory. A

Memorial Service will follow at Pisgah Forest Baptist Church at 11:30 a.m.

with Rev. David Spray and Butch Skerrett officiating.