MARILYN BUSH FUNDERBURK

Marilyn Bush Funderburk, a longtime organizer of Washington benefits and civic events who served as Assistant Social Secretary in the Carter White House died on November 25, 2025. She was one month shy of her 90th birthday.

Born December 23, 1935 in Lafayette, Louisiana, Marilyn grew up in Detroit, Michigan where she attended St. Leo’s Catholic School and developed an enduring love of ice hockey. A precocious student, she completed high school at St. Leo’s at 15, a testament to her intellect and drive. A graduate of Manhattanville College where she earned a B.S. in biology, she later earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan and worked at the National Institutes of Health and the Minority Cultural Project before becoming involved in Washington benefit and event planning which led to her 1979 appointment in the Carter administration. In the East Wing she coordinated State Dinners, cultural programs, and official events for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, becoming the first African American to hold her position.

After her White House years, Marilyn continued to serve in nonpartisan protocol and social‑events roles including during presidential transitions, working on the Reagan‑Bush inaugural activities in 1985 and the Bush‑Quayle inaugural activities in 1989. Her career reflected an ethos of bipartisanship; she brought the same attention to detail, grace, and civic‑mindedness to events regardless of party. Marilyn remained inspired by the Carters and became a lifelong supporter of the Carter Center. She later co-founded EMCEE International, a boutique event-planning firm that contributed to shaping Washington’s social and diplomatic landscape.

Marilyn’s civic leadership extended far beyond the White House. She held leadership roles in The Links, Incorporated; Merry Widows - an organization she started with her friends, fellow wives of medical school classmates; Carrousels of Washington; and the Auxiliary to the Medico‑Chirurgical Society.

Undeniably, Marilyn’s greatest joys were her family and friends. A loyal companion and trusted confidante, Marilyn arranged intimate gatherings and larger celebrations for her friends, planning numerous parties throughout the years and coordinating group travels within the country and overseas.

Marilyn was the central figure who brought her family together, organizing gatherings both at her home and during memorable trips abroad that she meticulously planned. Her dedication to fostering family unity was evident in the care she took to create lasting memories and connections among her loved ones. Marilyn cherished her role as a grandmother with an abundance of love. She nurtured the special bonds with each grandchild, making sure that those relationships remained strong and meaningful throughout the years. Asked about her legacy, Marilyn said she only wanted to be remembered as a good mom — and she truly was.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, William W. Funderburk, MD in 2024. She is survived by her children, William Watson Funderburk Jr., Julie Funderburk (Brad Johnson), Christina Funderburk Lingelbach (John); grandchildren Claire Funderburk (Deborah Janssens), Casey and Julia Lingelbach; sister, Judith Bush Stephenson; step granddaughter, Erika Fetterolf; and treasured extended family and friends.

Per Marilyn’s request, no memorial service is being held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Marilyn B. Funderburk to the Carter Center (www.cartercenter.org) or to The Foundation for Gender-Specific Medicine (www.gendermed.org).