Marilyn Ludolf

On July 19, 1932, in Morganton, North Carolina, Marilyn was born to Dora Esther Whitener and Charles Jefferson Keaton. Marilyn was predeceased by her parents and brothers, Tommy C. Keaton and Robert Dean Keaton. Marilyn is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Edwin Forrest Ludolf (“Honey Ed”). Her two sons also survive her; David Forrest Ludolf (Annette) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Jonathon Charles Ludolf of Winston-Salem, NC; two grandchildren, Marisa Anne Elliott (Austin) and Daniel Forrest Ludolf; and great-grandson, Lane Joseph Elliott.

Marilyn, the first college graduate of her family, received a Bachelor of Arts from Lenior-Rhyne University in 1954. Her love for education and youth led her to a 32-year teaching career, retiring from Old Richmond Elementary. Her students often remember her as “Mama Lu.”

Outside the classroom, Marilyn participated in and taught youth, college, and single adult ministry at Central Baptist Church (Greenville, SC), Park Baptist Church (Rock Hill, SC), Becks Baptist Church (Winston-Salem, NC), and Calvary Baptist Church (Winston-Salem, NC) that spanned 54 years. In addition, she attended various mission trips to Kenya, Cuba, Alaska, and Belgium; authored Freed by Faith; and was awarded Marquis Who's Who.

The family wishes to thank the Salemtowne Retirement Community and Hospice Community Care staff for the love and care delivered to Marilyn.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, in the Worship Center at Calvary Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Gary Chapman. The family will receive friends one hour before the service in the main lobby. Interment will follow at Becks Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Bobby Vaughan.