Marie Stanley Buck | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Marie Stanley Buck, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on April 21, 2025, after a 12-year journey with Alzheimer's disease. Up until the end, Marie retained her kindness, grace, and compassion. She also maintained her love for her Lord, Jesus Christ, her girls, and her family and friends. She was grateful to God for the blessing of a long life, full of wonderful, and sometimes, challenging moments.

    A private family graveside service will be held May 3rd at 1:00 p.m. at the Buck Family cemetery in Chocowinity, North Carolina, on Hwy 17. A Celebration of Life will be held for Marie's family and friends on May 17th at 2:00 p.m.at Faith Wesleyan Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Expressions of sympathy in the form of flowers, cards and memorial contributions to the American Alzheimer's Association are equally welcome.

    Marie spent her early years in Durham, North Carolina. Her father's job necessitated a move to the very small town of Chocowinity, North Carolina, during Marie's high school days. A city girl thrust into a country life. To say that she was unhappy about the situation would be an understatement. But, once there, she kept hearing about someone named "Buddy" Buck who graduated the year before she moved. Unknown to Marie, she had caught Buddy's eye since they both had mutual friends. At that time, fashion dictated a "beauty mark" and Buddy teased that he was mesmerized by Marie's and could not wait to see where it would be on her face the next time he saw her. Although after graduation Marie moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the F.B.I. and Buddy joined the U.S. Army; Buddy's zest for life, his sense of humor, and his caring nature lured Marie back to his side and their beautiful love story began.

    Settling into married life at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, they were blessed with their first and second child, Deborah and Brenda; two very blonde, adorable baby girls with eyes as beautiful blue as Marie's. Later, while stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, they were blessed with their third daughter, Sandra; a cute little bundle, who, unlike her sisters, had darker hair and very deep brown eyes, just like Buddy's. Marie's greatest joy came from taking care of, and spending time with, her family and friends; she deeply loved her husband, her girls, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her homemade fried chicken and fried corn bread were legendary and holiday gatherings at her house were eagerly anticipated by family and friends alike.

    Marie believed in the value of hard work. If something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. From her meticulous house cleaning and other homemaking skills to her work life and church life, any task she undertook, she gave her all. After the premature death of her husband, Buddy, she sold their successful business and became a teacher's assistant for the Cumberland County Public School system for fifteen years before retiring at age sixty-five. Then, she returned to the school system as a substitute and retired for the last time at age seventy-five. She became close friends with her co-workers and loved working with children. Marie found value, purpose, and a sense of pride in her work.

    Those left to cherish Marie's memory include her daughters; Deborah Richards, Brenda Dunn (Pat), and Sandra Bordeaux (David). She leaves behind her treasured grandchildren; Ross Richards, Kristen Warren, Justin Dunn, Austin Bordeaux, Kimberly Polyniak, Joseph Dunn, and Kelsey Eastman. Also left to honor her memory are her great-grandchildren; Grace Richards, Elsie Warren, Emery Richards, Daniel Warren, Brynn Richards, Timothy Warren, Josiah Warren, Callan Dunn, and Baby Polyniak, due in July.

    She is preceded in death by the love of her life, William Edward "Buddy" Buck; her beloved parents, Lucille and Ezekiel Thomas Stanley; and her beloved siblings, Mae Edwards, Ezekiel Thomas Stanley Jr., and Clarence O'dell Stanley.

    As we say goodbye to Marie Stanley Buck, we celebrate the life of a woman who was a beacon of kindness and love. Her legacy is one of unwavering devotion to her God and her family, a testament to the beautiful life she lived, and the countless lives she touched. Marie's memory will be treasured forever, as we hold her close in our hearts and remember the light she brought into this world.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Buck family.