Erin Napier Aunt Mae Mae: What Happened to Marilyn and Why She Meant So Much to the Family

HGTV star Erin Napier is mourning the loss of her beloved aunt Marilyn, affectionately known as “Aunt Mae Mae,” who passed away on November 4, 2026. The heartbreaking family news has brought attention to the special relationship between the Home Town host and the woman who helped raise her, encouraged her creativity and became a familiar face at the Laurel Mercantile Co. in Mississippi.

Marilyn was more than an aunt to Erin. She played an important role throughout her childhood and remained closely connected to the Napier family as Erin built her television career alongside her husband, Ben Napier. Their bond was so meaningful that Erin named her younger daughter, Mae, in her aunt’s honor.

Who Was Erin Napier’s Aunt Marilyn?

Marilyn, lovingly called Aunt Mae Mae, was an important maternal figure in Erin Napier’s life. She helped care for Erin during childhood while Erin’s mother worked part-time as a real estate agent.

Growing up in Mississippi, Erin spent considerable time with her aunt, who offered encouragement and helped nurture her artistic interests.

Marilyn’s influence extended beyond everyday childcare. She supported Erin’s imagination and creative personality during her formative years, long before Erin became known for restoring historic homes on television.

Their relationship remained close into adulthood, with Marilyn continuing to be part of Erin’s family and professional community.

Erin Napier Named Her Daughter Mae After Aunt Mae Mae

One of the clearest examples of Marilyn’s importance to Erin is the name of her younger daughter, Mae.

Erin and Ben Napier welcomed Mae in May 2021. The couple also share an older daughter, Helen, who was born in January 2018.

Erin chose the name Mae as a tribute to Aunt Mae Mae, preserving a meaningful family connection through another generation.

The decision reflected the lasting affection Erin felt for the woman who had helped care for her during childhood.

For Erin, the name carries a personal family history that goes beyond its simplicity. It connects her daughter’s identity to someone who played a significant role in her own upbringing.

Aunt Mae Mae’s Role at Laurel Mercantile Co.

Marilyn was also a familiar presence at Laurel Mercantile Co., the Mississippi retail business associated with Erin and Ben Napier.

Having worked in retail throughout her life, Marilyn brought years of customer service experience to the store.

She became known as a welcoming greeter, interacting with visitors who traveled to Laurel to explore the town featured on Home Town.

Her friendly personality helped create the warm atmosphere associated with the Napier family’s local business.

While Erin and Ben became nationally recognized television personalities, Marilyn remained closely involved in the community that shaped their lives.

Her presence at the store also demonstrated how the Napiers’ business ventures continued to involve family members and longtime local connections.

Erin Napier’s Childhood Bond With Aunt Mae Mae

Erin has frequently emphasized the importance of family, tradition and small-town relationships in her personal life and television work.

Her connection with Marilyn reflected those values long before Home Town became a successful HGTV series.

As a child, Erin developed an interest in art, storytelling and creative expression. Marilyn was among the relatives who encouraged those interests and provided a supportive environment.

That early encouragement became part of the foundation for Erin’s later work as a designer, author and television host.

Although Marilyn was not a central television personality, her influence could be seen in Erin’s appreciation for family history and meaningful personal details.

Remembering Marilyn’s Legacy in the Napier Family

Marilyn’s passing represents a personal loss for Erin Napier and her extended family.

Beyond her connection to the HGTV star, she built a life around retail work, family relationships and the Laurel community.

Her role as a caregiver, her encouragement of Erin’s creativity and her welcoming presence at Laurel Mercantile Co. made her an important figure in the family’s story.

For viewers familiar with Erin and Ben Napier’s commitment to preserving memories and honoring family traditions, the story of Aunt Mae Mae offers another example of those values.

Marilyn’s influence continues through the family she helped nurture, particularly Erin’s daughter Mae, whose name serves as a lasting tribute to her beloved great-aunt.