Marcia E Christie's Obituary
Marcia Eileen Christie departed this life on February 4 surrounded by family care and loving support. She was born on October 8, 1956 to the late Marlene and William Kelly. Throughout her illness, her faith never wavered and her strength never waned. She is and was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Her courage was and continues to be a beacon of light. Amanda Gorman referenced in her inaugural address, “there was always light, if only
we’re brave enough to see it; if only we’re brave enough to be it.” Marcia’s purpose, her commitment to educating students and her devotion to her daughter will leave an impact and foster a legacy.
Marcia graduated from Bridgeton HS in 1975 and was an active member in the Band. Marcia attended Cumberland County College and graduated with an AA degree in 1977. She enrolled at Kean College and graduated with a BA degree in 1979. Marcia committed herself to membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Sp’ 1979. Their organizational principles included sisterhood, scholarship and service to humankind; and her life mirrored those intentions.
After graduating from Kean College, she became a resident of Irvington, New Jersey for over 30 years. She taught elementary school children at the Alexander Street and Ivy Hill Elementary Schools. Marcia was best characterized by her authenticity and her humor. While she taught multiple grades, she especially adored teaching first grade students- prioritizing literacy, molding behavior and supporting their need for basic skills. She was a Title 1 Interventionist and had a knack for creating stellar bulletin boards. Among her best work included turning the book, “The People Could Fly” into a play for students. She, too, was an early member of and attended Christ Church in Montclair, NJ. During her membership, she participated on the Joy Ministry Team and Stewardship Ministry. She also worked in the book store and helped develop the worship and praise banners.
For leisure, Marcia enjoyed reading, attending Broadway musicals, assembling puzzles and watching Maury Povich. Marcia loved ‘The Color Purple’; she visited New York to watch this sensational story of sisterhood, spirituality and love over 20 times. In her own life, she sought to strengthen others in Christ, sustain a deep connection with her own sister, Ruth Ann and commit her time to the people she loved.
She leaves to cherish her memory: one child, Jennifer Ruth Christie, of Irvington. In addition, she is survived by a sister, Ruth Hands (and husband, Eddie), of Bridgeton and a brother, Mayor Albert Kelly, of Bridgeton; stepsister Joanne Harrell of Bridgeton; sister-in-law Elizabeth Wilmore, of Bridgeton and godchild Kelly McKenzie, Sicklerville. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.
Marcia was predeceased by her sister, Sharon Kelly, brother, William Wilmore and
stepsisters Wilhemina Bennett and Frances Barresi.
What’s your fondest memory of Marcia?
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Share a story where Marcia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marcia you’ll never forget.
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