Marion Lee Gordy Turner Schrack Handy of Delmar, MD made a peaceful transition on December 9, 2024, at Tidal Health Hospital in Salisbury MD after a short illness. She was 91. Marion was the eldest daughter of Clifton James Gordy Sr. of Delmar, MD and Virgie Lee (Borders) Gordy of Kings Mountain, NC. She was born on May 7,1933, in Philadelphia, PA.

Marion graduated from Salisbury Colored High School and soon married Andrew J. Turner Jr. From that union came Deborah, Andrea, and Andrew III. After living in Boston and New York for several years, Marion decided to return to her hometown, Delmar, MD. Then at the age of 39 years, Marion married Harry Handy, had a little girl named Flora and enrolled in Salisbury State University majoring in Education. After receiving her bachelor's degree, Marion taught middle school Social Studies and History starting first at Pittsville Elementary and later at Bennett Middle School. Also, during her teaching career, Marion returned to Salisbury State University to receive a master's degree in education. She finally retired after 35 plus years of teaching. During her teaching career and retirement, Marion taught and/or tutored students at the Eastern Correction Institute, the Wor-Wic Behavioral Program, and Maple Shade Youth and Family Services. Marion also served as a Conference Delegate for the Maryland State Teachers Association for several years.Through her affiliation with this organization, she was able to travel all over the United States and the Caribbean which fulfilled her love of travel.

Marion's Student-Centered teaching philosophy leaves a legacy in the Education community that has existed through generations which was demonstrated everywhere she went. It was not  unusual to have a former student stop her to say hello and tell her that she was their favorite teacher or that she had taught them and their son or daughter.

Upon her return to Woodlawn (Delmar, MD), Marion became a dedicated and active member of the Union Methodist Church. She was an officer for the Worship Committee, the Finance Committee, a Conference Delegate, Christian Education, the United Women of Faith, the Laity Team and became a Lay Leader. She took great joy in singing and traveling with the Union Gospel Group.

In addition to teaching, Marion was also active in the community. She was a member of the Maryland Teachers Association, the Maryland Retired Teachers Association, the Wicomico Teachers Association, the NAACP, the MD Political Action Committee and the Red Hats. In recognition of her community work, Marion was given the honor of Citizen of the Year for the town of Delmar, MD.

Marion loved to stay busy, so in between teaching and community work, she knitted. In 1980, Marion started knitting hats for newborns at PRMC (now known as Tidal Health). As president of the United Methodist Women, she organized a knitting campaign as a charitable giving project and it is estimated that at least 1,500 hats, blankets, and scarves were donated. She continued to knit  well into her 80's,having made thousands of baby hats, scarves, and blankets.

Marion is survived by her children, Deborah (Ronnie) Gaines of Laurel, DE; Andrea Turner of Dover, DE; Andrew (Debra) Turner III of Salisbury MD; Flora (William) Handy of Delmar, MD; Foster daughter, Janet Ortiz; Foster Son, Kevin White; a Brother, Clifton (Callie) Gordy Jr. of Ellicott City, MD; a Sister, Virlee (Chris) Stentoff of Naestved, DK; Adopted/Chosen Sister, Betty Dorsey of Baltimore, MD; Five Grandchildren: Melissa Gaines; Mikeal (Curtis) Vincent, both of Newark, DE; Antoinette (Nelson) Daniel of Salisbury, MD; Kyle Turner of Bear, DE; Andrew (Charity) Turner IV of Salisbury, MD; a Goddaughter, Zelda (Randall) West Johnson;10 Great Grand Children; and a Host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, other Family and Friends

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Virgie Gordy; siblings Frank Gordy, Gretta Burnette, Sandra Dickerson, Sanford Dickerson Sr, and a special Aunt, Flora Byant.

Loving Submitted

The Family

NOTE: Funeral services will be live-streamed - Howell & Jolley Memorial Chapel PA, FACEBOOK page: http://www.facebook.com/howellandjolleymemorialchapel (please copy this address in a new browser)