Marian Marlene Denby



Marian Marlene Denby, 71 years old, passed on June 22, 2012 with her adoring family at her bedside in Clermont, Fl. She was born in Philadelphia, Pa on September 11, 1940 to the late Featherstone and Elease Moses. Marian was the 3rd of 8 children-6 girls and 2 boys. She spent much of her early youth in North Philadelphia where much of her family still resides. She was educated in the Philadelphia School System. Marianhas always demonstrated a love for learning but her education was interrupted before she could earn her high school diploma. Marian soon married her long-time family friend and childhood sweetheart Harry W. Denby (Bill). This union forged strong bonds between the Denby and the Moses families, which remain true today, as did Bill's love for Marian. They were married for 47 wonderful years.







Being in the Air Force, Bill, Marian and their young family were eventually stationed in Shreveport Louisiana. Marianremained single minded about the importance of education and she resumed her educational pursuits and received her GED, all while working and mothering 3 children. She then applied to Louisiana State University-Shreveport (LSU) and was accepted majoring in Social Work. Marian continued her education at LSU until she and her family moved back to Philadelphia after Bill, her husband retired from the military. Marianwas then accepted into Temple University and graduated Magna Cum Laud, the highest honors. She continued on to receive her Master's of Social Work, again with high honors.







While attending Temple University, Marian and family moved to Willingboro NJ where she made her home for the next 21 years. She began working for the State of New Jersey at Division of Youth and Family Services as a Social Worker, a Litigation Specialist and supervising Social Worker. Her no-nonsense approach to all things made her a formidable advocate for children who were trapped in unhealthy living situations. This attitude steadily propelled her upward through the ranks of Social Work. Marian worked for the State of New Jersey for 21 years until she retired.







Marian was also blessed to have found a wonderful Church home at Tabernacle Church in Burlington NJ, where she enjoyed service to the Lord in the Abigail ministry. She attended church regularly until Marian and Bill moved to Clermont Florida for retirement. They were blessed yet again upon moving to Clermont to find an adoring church family at Celebration of Praise (COP), which made their social transition almost seamless. Marianjoined the women's ministry, volunteered to be a counselor for younger women and lead bible studies in her home.







Marian loved her life and loved living it. She was sometimes jokingly referred to as a professional vacationer. Marian moved to the perfect vacation destination then regularly took a vacation from their vacations. WHAT A LIFE! And she was blessed to have lived this way for more than 11 years. As an avid traveler Marian visited over 25 different states and countries on 3 continents. Marianalso had a passion for ethnic art. Her home was her art gallery, and it was impeccably decorated with many beautiful unique pieces that she had collected throughout her lifetime. Other interests included dancing, music-especially gospel, playing cards and reading. Marian was clever and funny with a sharp cutting wit and she knew how to use it. She loved her family and friends and the idea of family togetherness. Throughout her life she was known to have lots of family functions such as barbeques, card parties, family reunions, birthday parties and an annual New Year's Day open house to insure that her families (both blood-related and spiritual) remained close knit.







Marian is survived by her dedicated loving husband Harry W. Denby (Bill), one sister Elease Constance Moses, three children, Karen Denby, Stephanie Davis, and Harry Denby Jr., Five grandchildren, Marcus, Corey, Marian (her namesake), Harry Denby III (Trey) and Amirra, and four great-grand children, three brothers-in-law and their spouses, one sister-in-law and a host of nieces, nephew and cousins. Marian had a few friends that she thought of as family but she had a lifelong sister-girlfriend, Rosetta Change whom she said God gave to her early in her many travels being a military wife. They will remain sister-girlfriends until eternity.







For all who are sad and mourning, shed a few tears because you will miss me, BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER- too many tears are a waste because I am with my Precious Lord as he promised me I would be. NOW CELEBRATE- Celebrate my Homegoing, Celebrate my love for you and finally, Celebrate my life! See you soon. I'll keep the light on for you.



The memorial service for Marian Denby will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at Celebration of Praise Church of God in Clermot. Further services and burial will take place in Philadelphia, PA. BECKER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Clermont, FL. Telephone 352-394-7121.