Marion G. Brister

Marion G. Washington Brister was born on June 20, 1926 to the late John W. and Gladys Washington Coleman. She attended Samuel G. Elbert Elementary School and graduated from Howard High School in 1945. She grew up in the South Bridge community enjoying riding her bicycle while exploring the community and beyond.

Marion entered the work force as a factory worker and moved on to be employed by Wilmington Public School Board of Education. She advanced over 32 years to become the first woman of Chief Maintenance Engineer at Barnett Middle School until her retirement in 1991.

Marion faithfully served the Lord as an active member throughout the years with Mt. Joy UMC as Communion Steward and Trustee, Mother AUMP as Sunday School Superintendent, West Presbyterian Church Women's Circle and Ezion-Mt. Carmel UMC Communion Steward(retired) and United Methodist Women in Faith.

Marion served as a local Red Cross/GSO volunteer during WWll. Founded the young women's social group Les Jeunes Filles. Actively served as an Eastern Star, Daughter of Isis, and Matron in Queen Esther Court of the York Rite Masonic Order. Matron leader of the TENTS.

Marion loved to read, travel and enjoy time with her family and friends.

She freely shared her wisdom of 98 years in words and comfort and encouragement to everyone: " If I can helped someone today, then my living is not in vain." And "Don't let life make you. You make life." And "Everybody needs somebody."

Marion was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 62 years Millard Brister, Jr. on June 8, 2015.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter Gladys Brister Spikes and Millicent Brister Collier; grandchildren, Jamiel Spikes, Sr., Asa Spikes Jamison(husband Clay Jamison) Dremil Collier, Colin Collier; great grandchildren, Jamiel Spikes, Jr., Ava Jamison, Jayla Spikes, Micah Jamison, great-great grandchildren, sister-in-law Beulah Hines and family, cousin Norwood Coleman Sr and family, cousin William Edward Goldsborough and family, and a host of other relatives and friends.