Marie Golden Young was born on December 4, 1921 in Richmond, VA to the late Marie G. and John A. Golden, Sr. She was preceded in death by her husband, John C. Young; her daughter, Margie Young-Taylor; and her brother, John A. Golden, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Antoinette Young and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Marie was baptized at the age of 12 at Union Baptist Church. She attended the Richmond Public Schools and graduated from Armstrong High School. On January 1, 1944, she married John C. Young at Union Baptist Church. Marie was employed by the City of Norfolk for many years in positions with the Model Cities Program and as Director of the Diggs Park, Ingleside, and Norview Recreation Centers.
Marie was a grass roots organizer and a founding member of the Women of Virginia’s Third Force, a voter registration group founded in 1960. She was active in the civil rights movement, leading protests and picketing against a Norfolk grocery chain that failed to employ African-Americans despite its presence in African American neighborhoods; against the Washington Redskins when the team had no African American players; and against the Norfolk Public Schools to convince them to end segregation. She also advocated for the Catholic Church hierarchy to end segregation at DePaul Hospital. She was active in her community as a volunteer and as a valued adviser to lower income residents needing federal, state and local assistance. In 2006, she was honored by the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates for her lifetime achievements and commitment to justice; her role in the elimination of the state poll tax; and her numerous achievements on behalf of her fellow citizens. She was also honored by the Joe Jordan Foundation for her lifelong dedication to civil rights, and by the City of Norfolk for her efforts to help others and make a difference in her community.
Marie had a heart for God, her family, and her community. She will be greatly missed.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marie Golden Young, please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.