Marian Watford was gifted into this world on April 26, 1943 in Bertie County, North Carolina. She was the first of four children born to Robert Lee and Fannie C. Watford. It was easy to see the amazing gift that God had bestowed upon this world. The influence and infectious spirit that she had with her parents, siblings and friends would carry over into her adult life.
Marian joined Harrellsville Baptist Church in Harrellsville, North Carolina at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Although born in North Carolina, Norfolk, Virginia was her home. She was raised in Tidewater Park and a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in 1960. While attending Booker T. Washington she played the clarinet for the marching band. Afterwards, Marian earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Science with a major in Biology from Saint Augustine’s College (University)in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1964. There she pledged and joined the sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Marian dedicated her life serving others while teaching science under Norfolk Public Schools for over forty years. While overcoming many barriers, she touched and influenced the lives of many students, faculty and staff members alike. She oversaw multiple responsibilities associated with Cooperative Hampton Roads Organization for Minorities in Engineering (CHROME) and other school events while working at Blair Middle School. Marian was promoted to Department Chair where she presided over curriculum development and mentorship. She retired from Norfolk Public Schools in 2006, but she continued to advocate and mentor aspiring teachers through the Career Switchers Program at Old Dominion University.
Marian was a member of the Historical Queen Street Baptist Church where she managed financial capital campaigns and missionary work. Also, realizing the needs of others, she founded “Young Scholars” a tutoring mentoring ministry providing academic support for church members and the community. In addition, she served as a member of the Missionary Society and was an integral part of the finance committee.
Marian married the late Melvin Lee Jackson and to their union God blessed them with their son Avery. Avery was her greatest joy. God gifted our gift, Marian, with a gift of her own. She instilled life-long lessons of service to Avery and raised him to be the honorable, yet humble, gentleman he is today.

Marian was the family’s matriarch, preserving relationships and keeping the family connected. She selected the names of her nieces and nephews, planned family trips, and sent cards for every occasion. As an amazing cook, you would not leave her house without a plate of food.

Left to cherish her memory in addition to her son Avery Jackson (Audravette) of Virginia Beach and a daughter she chose in Sabrina Jackson. Two loving sisters. If you saw one, usually, you saw all three; Yvonne Billups (Charlie) and Judy Watford of Norfolk, Virginia. Sister, Rose Gatling (Phillip) Brother, Calvin Miller; adopted sister, Bernice Wynn. Her brother, Robert Watford (Coretta) of Charlotte, North Carolina was reunited with her in the place that Jesus has prepared for us all. Grandchildren; Janean (Percy), Shawn (Yoshabel) and Brandon. Great grandrchildren, Shawn Jr, Percy Jr, Ayanna and Cataleya. Nieces and Nephews; Stephanie (Phil), Kimbra (Chase), Charlie Jr., Courtney, Cicely, Jade and Theo. A host of great nieces and nephews, other loving relatives and friends.
Marian was faithful and diligently served her community, church and family. Her life was and is a model for all to emulate. It never seems to be the right time, but God promoted her from this life into eternal life on August 20, 2018. Her teachings will live on through her family and others she loved so dearly.

“If I should go tomorrow it would never be goodbye.
For I have left my heart with you so don’t you ever cry.
The love that’s deep within me shall reach you from the stars.
You’ll feel it from the heavens and it will heal the scars.”
Anon.

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