Roxanne Elizabeth Marshburn, 81, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The former Roxanne Walsh was born on July 13,1945 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. At age 3, Roxanne was the recipient of a life-saving and rare heart surgery, which was unheard of in those days. Roxanne graduated from Coughlin High School (1963) and she obtained her Bachelor of Science from Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa. She was a waitress in the Pocono Manor throughout her schooling and often spoke of her adventures during the summers. Roxanne went on to complete her dietetic internship at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY, as well as a fellowship at the University of Tennessee in child development. Roxanne loved working as a dietitian in the field of food service and nutrition for over 50 years until her recent retirement.

Roxanne lived in West Lafayette, Ind., Newport News, Va., and Springfield, Va., where she worked at Virginia Theological Seminary. Roxanne married the late William Penn “Bill” Marshburn in 1983 and together they traveled the world. Roxanne and Bill were lucky enough to celebrate 40 wonderful years of marriage before he passed away in February of 2024, and they made their home in Maple Hill, NC, where Bill grew up.

She was a member of the Rotary Vocational Training Team which traveled to Giridih, India, to establish a patient dialysis clinic to treat renal disease. Roxanne was very philanthropic, as she volunteered for the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and spent one season as the chairperson for the Festival of Trees. She was a member of Saint Mary’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church where she served on the vestry and was also a board member of Black River Health Services in Burgaw, NC.

Roxanne loved her dogs, and raised Shih Tzus that were shown around the country, including winning awards at the Westminster Dog Show. In her retirement, she enjoyed her beach house on Ocracoke Island, lunching with friends and spending time with her retired show dog at home. In addition to her husband, Roxanne was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Nan Walsh, and her brother Edward “Ned” Walsh. 

Roxanne is survived by her sister, Beth Ann Takacs (Michael); and sister-in-law, Janet Walsh; several nieces and nephews, Amy Walsh Stock (Travis), Kathleen Walsh Reyes (Vincent), Ryan Walsh (Juli), Rebecca Takacs D’Ambrosio (Vincent), Abigail Takacs, and Amanda Takacs Bowers (Steven); Bill’s cousin Elizabeth James Dunn (Tad); her special dog and companion, Katie and her many, many friends.

Roxanne's family would like to thank the entire community of Maple Hill, especially Bertice and Phyllis Lanier; members of the Maple Hill Presbyterian Church; members of St. Mary’s, the staff of Wilmington Orthotics & Prosthetic, her loyal housekeepers and all of the kind-hearted people who made sure Roxanne was taken care of after the passing of her husband. Throughout the last two years, Roxanne enjoyed the companionship of this community and re-visiting her beloved Ocracoke with Amy and Travis Stock. She will be remembered for her smile, resiliency, and generosity.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at St. Mary’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church with service beginning at 11:00 a.m. with The Rev. Bill Milholland officiating the service.

Interment will follow in Burgaw Cemetery. There will be a reception in the church fellowship hall following the interment at Burgaw Cemetery.

The family suggests that you consider a memorial contribution to St. Mary’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church, PO Box 841, Burgaw, NC 28425 in memory of Roxanne.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by placing a post on Guestbook.

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.