Marlene Joy McCarthy fell asleep in Christ on Saturday July 29, 2023 at the age of 88. She was born on July 27, 1935 in Ward Township, Todd, Minnesota, the daughter of Mabel and Truman Moxley.

Marlene had one brother, Thomas Moxley, and a sister-in-law, Sharon Moxley, of Caribou, Wisconsin who survived her. She had a sister, Mavis Moxley, who preceded her in death.

Marlene grew up on a farm in Minnesota. She graduated from Clarisa High School in Minnesota and Northwestern University in Minneapolis, Minnesota where she met her beloved husband of 55 years, David Seymour McCarthy, who preceded her in death. They graduated and married in 1957. Together they served Jesus Christ, pastoring a church and raising three daughters. Marlene was a talented seamstress, gardener, cook and manuscript reviewer for her husband who authored numerous Christian books and articles. She also served as a child care worker.

Marlene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and William Emery, of Ellijay, Georgia; daughter, Denise Kea, of Charlotte, North Carolina; daughter and son-in-law, Joy and Rev. Dr. Scott Carpenter, of Monroe, North Carolina; grandchildren, Brooke Arroliga and her husband, Juan Carlos, of Lula, Georgia; Ryan Bonnette and his wife, Gabrielle, of Murrayville, Georgia; Lauren Carpenter and her fiance, Maurice Crowe, of Charlotte, North Carolina; Ryan Carpenter of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 6 great-granddaughters, Mercy, Harmony, Eula, and Ivah Bonnette; Anaiah and Aliyah Arroliga; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Her family wishes to thank Labor of Love Adult Care in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Manor Lake Assisted Living of Ellijay, Georgia, and Pruitt Health of Blueridge, Georgia for their compassionate care.

The funeral service will be held at Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church in Saluda, South Carolina on Saturday August 5, 2023 at 2pm with Rev. Dr. Scott Carpenter officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 1pm at the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church 1365 Chappels Highway, Saluda, South Carolina or Samaritan's Purse, Boone, North Carolina.

Ramey Funeral Home in Saluda, South Carolina in charge of arrangements.