Funeral services for the late Mrs. Lela Marie Marsh-Robinson were held on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016 at 11 a.m. from Oak Grove AME Zion Church. Rev. Robert Jackson officiated. Burial followed in Oak Grove cemetery. Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home of Atlanta directed. Hudson Funeral Services, Greenville, Ala., announced.

Today we gather to celebrate the life of a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend – whose life ended on Sept. 30, 2016, so that she may be united with her eternal Father. Lela Marie Page was born on June 22, 1944 in Honoraville, Ala., to Enos and Lela Peterson Page. Marie was introduced to Jesus at an early age and grew up to have a strong spiritual conviction; that became her pillar as she grew older. It was this spirit and faith that she often shared with those around her during their time of need throughout her life and particularly during her final months at Signature Healthcare.

As a young woman, Lela met Earlie Marsh and the two were joined in holy matrimony on June 23, 1964 in Alabama, thereafter relocating to Yonkers, N.Y. To this union two children were born: Earlie Marsh Jr. and Ray Anthony Marsh, who preceded Lela in death on June 7, 2011. While in Yonkers, Lela worked at the Leake and Watts Children Home as a devoted, passionate Cottage Parent to children who were in need. It was there she was able to nurture, encourage, and uplift children who were in need of parental structure, guidance and love. In this capacity, Lela was beloved by both staff and children.

A lover of people, Lela was an avid cook, who took great delight in preparing down-home southern food. She could often be found preparing Sunday dinner, baking, and sphere-heading food preparation for family gatherings. Beyond her love for cooking, her love for family and particularly her brothers and sisters was unparalleled. Affectionately known as “Ree,” Lela never walked away from the ability to help family and friends whenever a need arose.

Following the disillusion of her first marriage, Lela met and married Harold ‘Tiny’ Robinson in Yonkers, N.Y., and later relocated to Virginia Beach, Va., in 2002, where she continued to reside until her health failed and she relocated to Charlotte, N.C., to live in the care of her son Earlie Jr., before relocating to Atlanta on Feb. 25, 2016.

Lela leaves to cherish her memory a son, Earlie Marsh Jr.; and four grandchildren, Chevon Marsh of Yonkers, NY; Earlie Marsh I of Killeen, Texas; Kareem Marsh, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Shawn Marsh of Charlotte, N.C., along with several great-grandchildren. Additionally, Lela leaves eight siblings, Claudia Crump, Myrtle Lloyd, and James (Phyllis) Page, all of Detroit, Mich., Gracie Marlow of Lithonia, Ga., Denise Page-Keys of Compton, Calif., and Howard (Lizzie) Page of Honoraville, Ala., and an exceptionally devoted sister, Annie Page, of Lithonia, Ga., who remained constantly at Lela’s side as a source of help, support, and encouragement following her relocation to Georgia, along with a devoted niece, Debra Page.

In glorious fashion, Lela has now been reunited with four siblings who preceded her in death, Ennis ‘EG’ Page (Sept. 6, 1930 – Sept. 21, 2000); Enos Graham Page (Aug 30, 1924 – April 15, 2000); Richard Page (Oct 15, 1941 – Oct. 25, 1997); and, Nelson Page (July 15, 1958 – Jan. 10, 1993).

May all that read the legacy of Lela Marie Marsh-Robinson remember her life, legacy, and spirit from youth to present day, understanding that love, devotion, and life is eternal and a gift from God that is meant to be shared – unconditionally. Amen.