HGTV star Erin Napier has drawn renewed attention to her close-knit family following the passing of her beloved Aunt Marilyn, affectionately known as Aunt Mae Mae. The Home Town host has often spoken about the importance of family relationships in shaping her childhood, creative interests and life in Laurel, Mississippi. Alongside her husband, Ben Napier, Erin continues to celebrate the people who helped her build a successful career in television and design.
Erin Napier’s parents are Phil Rasberry and Karen Clark Rasberry. Her father spent more than four decades working as a physical therapist, while her mother pursued careers in real estate and writing. Both have remained closely connected to Erin’s life, supporting her family and professional achievements.
Who Are Erin Napier’s Parents?
Erin Napier was born on August 30, 1985, in Mississippi and grew up in Laurel, where her parents, Phil and Karen Rasberry, raised their family.
Phil and Karen have shared a long marriage, celebrating their 46th wedding anniversary. Their enduring relationship has been part of the family environment that Erin frequently celebrates.
Although Erin became nationally recognized through HGTV’s Home Town, her parents have generally maintained quieter lives outside television.
They have nevertheless appeared in family stories and social media updates shared by Erin, giving fans occasional glimpses into her upbringing and personal relationships.
Erin Napier’s Father Phil Rasberry
Phil Rasberry worked as a physical therapist for approximately 44 years, building a lengthy career in healthcare before retiring.
Outside his profession, he has a strong interest in vintage automobiles. His appreciation for classic vehicles is something he shares with Erin’s husband, Ben Napier.
Ben, who is known for his woodworking skills and interest in traditional craftsmanship, has developed a close relationship with his father-in-law.
Their shared enthusiasm for older vehicles reflects the family’s appreciation for restoring and preserving objects with history.
Phil has also been an important presence in Erin’s life as she transitioned from growing up in Mississippi to becoming a nationally recognized television personality.
Despite his daughter’s fame, he has largely remained focused on family and personal interests rather than pursuing a public career.
Erin Napier’s Mother Karen Clark Rasberry
Karen Clark Rasberry has worked in real estate and writing, combining professional interests with a strong commitment to family life.
She has also written children’s books, including I Live in Laurel, which reflects her connection to the Mississippi community where Erin and Ben have built their careers.
Karen’s background in real estate is particularly relevant to Erin’s television work, which centers on transforming homes and celebrating the character of older properties.
During Erin’s childhood, Karen worked part-time as a realtor. Her sister Marilyn, known to the family as Aunt Mae Mae, helped care for Erin during those years.
This arrangement created a close bond between Erin and her aunt, whose encouragement became an important part of her early creative development.
Karen has continued to provide family support as Erin and Ben balance their television commitments with raising their daughters.
How Erin Napier’s Parents Influenced Her Career
Erin’s upbringing in Laurel helped shape her appreciation for small-town communities, family traditions and historic homes.
Her father’s interest in vintage vehicles and her mother’s work in real estate offered different examples of how older things could retain value and meaning.
Erin later developed her own creative interests, studying graphic design before establishing a career in television.
Together with Ben, she became known for restoring homes in Laurel through HGTV’s Home Town.
The couple’s approach emphasizes preserving original architectural details while creating comfortable spaces for modern families.
Although Erin’s parents do not work as regular members of the show’s renovation team, their influence remains visible in her appreciation for craftsmanship, community and family history.
Erin Napier’s Family Life With Ben, Helen and Mae
Erin married Ben Napier on November 22, 2008, after the couple met while attending college in Mississippi.
They have two daughters, Helen, born in January 2018, and Mae, born in May 2021.
Their younger daughter was named after Erin’s Aunt Marilyn, who passed away on November 4, 2026.
The family’s close relationships have remained important as Erin and Ben manage their television careers, retail businesses and parenting responsibilities.
Phil and Karen Rasberry continue to be significant figures in Erin’s personal life, representing the family connections that have helped shape her identity.
From her father’s long healthcare career to her mother’s work as a realtor and author, Erin Napier’s parents have built lives rooted in professional dedication and community involvement. Their influence remains part of the family-centered values that viewers have come to associate with the Home Town star.
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