Marina Ann Ihunwo was born in Goldsboro, NC on June 11, 1954 to the union of James and Annie Pearl Dixon, both of whom have preceded her in death.  She entered into peace on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 in Portland, Oregon.  Her final days were spent doing what she loved - lounging on the beach, reading books and enjoying life.  Unfortunately, her health abruptly took a turn for the worse while on vacation.  Marina attended Goldsboro City Schools, graduating from Goldsboro High School in 1972.  After graduating high school, Marina traveled the world and lived in several different countries with her husband, Mr. Larry Lothery, who served in the United States Air Force.  She later married Mr. Ibecka Ihunwo and lived for several years in Boston, Massachusetts.  Marina returned to Goldsboro to assist in the care of her mother (Ma-Pearl) after her health became fragile.  Marina had a passion for taking care of and nurturing people whose health was failing and her love for Christ provided comfort to those in health crisis.  When Ma-Pearl transitioned from this life in February 2006, Marina decided to pursue her dream of living on the West Coast and taking care of the sick.  For several years, Marina worked for Visiting Angels in Seattle, Washington.  Her reputation of caring for the sick became known and several wealthy families pursued her to take care of their loved ones as a live-in caregiver in the Seattle area.  Recently, Marina found her dream job of taking care of the sick while living on the beach.  She recently relocated to Portland, Oregon to begin a new life as a health care provider when her own health failed her.  She had only been on the job for three weeks.  It was her plan to make this her last health care service and return to Boston, Massachusetts to retire.  Marina was a devout Christian who shared her love for the Lord with whomever she met.

To cherish her fond memories are her two brothers, Rev. Harold C. Dixon of Charlotte, NC and Michael Moye of Goldsboro, NC;  sister Kim Hamilton of Gordon, AL; sister-in-law Geraldine Campbell of Clayton, NC; and stepbrother Ray Thompson and stepsister Emma Fay Thompson of Dale City, VA.  Marina is also survived by an uncle, Carnel Dixon of Cleveland, OH;  four nieces: Takila Bell of Clayton, NC, Alexis Dixon of Charlotte, NC, Jasmin Simmons of Jacksonville, FL, and Evelyn Moye of Goldsboro, NC; three nephews: Sean Dixon of Newark, NJ, Jamar Campbell of Goldsboro, NC, and Jeffrey Baxter of Virginia; two great-nephews: Xavier Bell and Micha Bell of Goldsboro, NC ; one great niece, Lalla Bell of Clayton, NC;  stepfather Rufus Thompson of Goldsboro, NC; and lifetime friend, Faye Booker of Goldsboro, NC; along with a host of beloved cousins, other relatives and friends.