Marcia Winchester Marwede's Obituary
Marcia was born in Tallahassee, FL on June 21, 1945, to Mark and Bernice Winchester. She grew up with three brothers Mark, Marcus, and Brett; and four sisters Jessie, Laura, Rosa, and Wende. She was a proud graduate of Leon High School. Marcia married Robert Skiver in 1963, with whom she shared five sons. In 1972, she married Benjamin Lewis, to whom she was married to for 15 years until his death in 1987. During their marriage they lived in Tallahassee FL, Boston GA, Bay City MI, Hollywood FL, Summerville SC, and High Springs FL. After Ben’s death, Marcia dedicated herself to missionary work in Barbados and St. Lucia teaching vacation bible school. She began working at the University of Florida in 1983 for the Human Resources department until her retirement in 2010 as the Business Manager at University of Florida College of Education. Marcia graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations in 1999. In 2002, she married Greg Marwede, to whom she was married until her death. After her retirement, she served as a volunteer in the community supporting friends, family, neighbors, and any stranger in need. Marcia diligently sent handwritten cards for every holiday and significant life events to friends and family.
Marcia was a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and neighbor. She would never hesitate to help someone buy groceries or purchase clothing for children in need. She was a shining example of the Christian spirit. Marcia was happiest when surrounded by her family and friends.
Marcia’s son Witt Skiver gave the greatest testament to her life and character:
“My mother, Marcia Winchester Marwede died unexpectedly on Tuesday June 18th in Gainesville Florida. She was a loving mother of 5 boys, wife, grandmother, and caregiver. She was always helping others at any given moment. She would drop everything to help and care for others in need. She spent many of her days sitting in hospitals with people to prevent them from being alone. We never knew who we would be sitting next to at a holiday meal because she would bring home strangers and feed them because it hurt her heart for someone to spend a holiday alone. She loved God and was very active in church, played the piano, taught Sunday School, and went on several mission trips. She worked many jobs providing for my four brothers and me. Most nights she would bring her work home to finish. She eventually went to work for the University of Florida. While working there, she went to night school and earned her bachelor’s degree. She never met a stranger. She could go anywhere and meet someone and have long conversations with them. She was a Saint. She had to be to put up with her five bad boys that were always in trouble. She accomplished many things in her life and touched many lives with her kindness. Mama, I love you and you will be missed!”
Marcia is survived by her five sons and their wives, Rob and Marlene Skiver, of Beverly Hills, FL, James Skiver of Gainesville, FL, Paul and Jessica Skiver of Fort White, FL, Witt and Angie Skiver of Lloyd, FL and Matt and Jennifer Skiver of Suwannee, FL, her nine grandchildren: Kimberly (Adam) Mills, Harrison Skiver, Hayden Skiver, Clay (Mary Jo) Skiver, Brooke Skiver (Amir) Patel, Trenton Skiver, Reid Skiver, Molly Skiver and Emma Skiver, two great grandsons Logan and Brayden Mills, three great granddaughters Evelyn Kate Patel, Gracie Mae Mills, and Alice Jo Skiver.
A memorial service will be held in Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea Chapel 823 N.W. 143 street Newberry, FL., Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
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