HGTV star Erin Napier mourns aunt Marilyn, who inspired daughter Mae’s name; posts an emotional tribute to her aunt

Losing a loved one can be especially painful when that person has played a major role in shaping your childhood. HGTV star Erin Napier is remembering her aunt Marilyn, affectionately known as “Aunt Mae Mae”, who passed away on November 4. In an emotional tribute, Erin shared childhood memories of her aunt and revealed how she continues to be part of her family through her youngest daughter’s name. The Home Town host also remembered her aunt as someone who made people feel welcome and encouraged her creative interests from an early age.

Erin Napier shares emotional tribute to Aunt Mae Mae

On November 4, Erin announced her aunt’s death in an Instagram post featuring several family photographs. She remembered Marilyn as a warm and friendly person who spent much of her life working in retail. Her aunt also worked as a greeter at Laurel Mercantile Co., the store Erin runs with her husband, Ben Napier, in Laurel Mississippi.

“If any of you met her when she worked as a greeter at our stores, you did not forget her,” Erin wrote. She added, “Her gift was loving people. Loving meeting them, talking to them.” Erin also praised her aunt’s ability to connect with customers, saying she could “teach a master class in service”.

How Aunt Mae Mae inspired Erin’s daughter’s name

Marilyn was more than an aunt to Erin. She was also an important part of her childhood. Erin recalled how aunt Marilyn looked after her when her mother had to work. The two spent time walking through woodland trails, collecting leaves and making scrapbooks. Her aunt also introduced her to John Wayne movies, taught her about US presidents and encouraged her interest in art.

Erin credited Marilyn with recognising her creative abilities and helping her develop them. “She saw my creative gifts and knew exactly how to nurture them, helping raise a professional artist without even realising it,” she wrote. The designer also revealed that her youngest daughter, Mae, was named after her aunt. Erin said she knew what she wanted to name her second daughter even before the baby arrived.

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Erin and Ben Napier are parents to two daughters

Erin and her husband Ben share two daughters, Helen and Mae. According to PEOPLE, their elder daughter Helen was born in January 2018, while Mae arrived in May 2021.

The couple had earlier shared that Mae was named after Erin’s aunt. In the tribute, Erin also shared a photograph of Marilyn embracing the five-year-old girl. Erin ended her emotional message by recalling small details she would always associate with her aunt, including her distinctive laugh, the smell of Ivory soap and the little ice cream cones she used to prepare for her.