Arleen Reilly Marks

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

November 10, 1933 ~ August 5, 2018

Arleen Reilly Marks, 84, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on August 5, 2018 following a battle with vascular dementia, and ultimately cancer.  She is survived by her step-son, Arthur Marks and his family, her daughter, Janylyn, her four sons, Robert, Edward, Paul, Bryant, and their families, and her granddaughter, Madison Marks. 

Born in New York, New York, upon marriage, she moved to Framingham, MA and ultimately to Charlotte, NC with her husband, Paul Marks, now deceased.  While in Framingham, she singlehandedly began Edgebrook – a kindergarten that began with 10 students and ultimately grew to 500 and employed teachers in art, ballet, and elementary education.  The children in her classes were a frequent sight at the Wayside Inn where she taught them deportment, table manners, and how to feel comfortable in a formal setting. 

Upon moving to Charlotte in 1978, she again began a school, Briarcliff Hall, but this time taught prep for the SAT.    Literally, hundreds of students came through her doors, often referred to her by Charlotte Country Day.  She, and the tutors she employed, helped many young women and men achieve their college goals. 

She was also quite the matchmaker, as her son, Paul, married one of her tutors, Kelly McCann and began Briarcliff II.

Mrs. Marks was a gifted artist, and despite having no formal training, as a young woman she sold dress designs to Lord & Taylor.

Most importantly though, was her love for life, for God, and for her family; her mischievous sense of humor; her passion for learning and for helping others; and her belief that she was “born with a happy heart.”  Always, she was supported by her innate optimism coupled with her faith in God and in herself.  Her charisma enchanted all who knew her. 

The family wishes to thank Levine & Dickson Hospice House for the care they administered during the last days of life.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday Aug 19th at 3:00pm at St. Francis United Methodist Church, 4200 McKee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270. In lieu of flowers, gifts to the charity of your choice would be a wonderful remembrance. 

. The Marks Family have entrusted her arrangements to Cremation Society of Charlotte, Inc.

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