Marlena vanEck Poe Gurley Holder

Marlena vanEck Poe Gurley Holder, a lifelong resident of Durham, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026. She was born on October 6, 1944, in Melbourne, Florida, where her father was stationed with the United States Navy during World War II. Marlena moved to Durham at a very young age and spent the rest of her life in the city she was proud to call home.

Marlena attended E.K. Powe Elementary School for grades one through eight and then Brogden Junior High School, where she was part of the first ninth-grade class attending the school. She graduated from Durham High School in 1963. During her high school years, she served as homeroom treasurer, secretary of the Social Committee, and a member of the Publicity Committee. She also participated in the Spanish Club, Pep Club, Future Homemakers of America, Future Business Leaders of America, and the senior play. Marlena continued her education at Croft Business School, where she earned a degree in accounting.

Her faith was central to her life. Marlena was a member of Grey Stone Baptist Church in Durham, serving in the Girls’ Auxiliary Chancelor Choir in her youth and later lending her voice to the Adult Choir. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and she loved her family with deep and unwavering devotion.

Marlena built a long and dedicated career with Verizon Communications, retiring in 2003 after 40 years of service. At the time of her retirement, she was a Marketing Consultant in Access Services and beforehand served in a variety of positions throughout her career. She was also a member of the National Association of Accountants and previously served as the association’s secretary.

Generous with her time and spirit, Marlena enjoyed volunteering with a variety of charities and supported the Southern High School Band Boosters for six years. She treasured fishing trips to Emerald Isle, followed Major League Baseball avidly, enjoyed golf, and especially valued fellowship with family and friends. She never missed an opportunity for a good conversation, particularly when it could be shared over a meal.

Marlena had a special enthusiasm for Durham’s history and devoted many hours to preserving her family’s story. She maintained an extensive family tree spanning generations, tracing roots to Scotland and the Netherlands. Through this work, she helped keep family memories and connections alive for those who came after her.

Marlena is survived by her sons, Marshall Lyle Gurley, Jr. and spouse, Margie Gurley, and Will Rufus Holder; her grandchildren, Alicia Gurley Rogers and spouse, Brandon Rogers, Zachary Lyle Gurley, Will Rufus Holder, Jr., Amanda Wilson and spouse, Adria Wilson, and Nathania Beardsworth and spouse, Carl Beardsworth; and her great-grandchildren, Ava June Rogers, Kinsley-Marie Rose Gurley, Emilia River Wilson, and Kaia Rose Wilson. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Poe Gurley; her nephews, James “Jimmy” Charles Gurley, Jr. and Michael Tarlton Gurley; her great-nieces, Madison Gurley Radford and Emily Jenson; and numerous cousins throughout the United States.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Tarlton “C.T.” Poe, Jr. and Virginia Margie Bass Poe.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 12, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service Chapel. Funeral services follow at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2026, at Hall-Wynn Funeral Service Chapel, 1113 W. Main Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701. Officiating will be Dr. Clay Waters. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, 1826 Duke University Road, Durham, North Carolina 27701.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Marlena’s memory to make a donation to a favorite charity.