Marlene Relena (Hill) Felton, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, minister, nurse, and community advocate, departed this life on June 12, 2026, at the University of Maryland Medical Center. She was 73 years old.

Born on February 4, 1953, in San Domingo, Wicomico County, Maryland, Marlene lived a life rooted in faith, family, education, and service. She was born to Sylvia “Marva” Goslee and the late Robert J. Cole and was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Pauline E. (Hill) Cluff, and step-grandfather, Robert Cluff. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert J. Cole; her grandmother, Pauline E. (Hill) Cluff; her step-grandfather, Robert Cluff; her stepfather, Rhuel Goslee; and her husband of 45 years, Derek R. Felton, Sr.

For over 30 years, Marlene served as a Licensed Practical Nurse, known for her compassionate care throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania. She also dedicated herself deeply to community service through the Fresh Start Food Pantry, which she helped operate alongside her husband, providing food and support to individuals and families in need.

Following her husband’s passing, Marlene continued her commitment to fighting food insecurity through her work with the Coalition Against Hunger in Philadelphia. There, she remained actively engaged in outreach efforts, resource coordination, and community support, helping connect individuals and families to food assistance programs and essential services. Her work reflected not only her dedication to serving others but also her resilience, generosity, and unwavering compassion for those facing hardship.

A lifelong learner, Marlene earned her Licensed Practical Nursing degree from Wor-Wic Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Widener University. She also pursued graduate studies at Eastern University, where she was only a few courses away from completing dual degrees: a Master of Divinity and an MBA in Health Administration. Throughout her career and ministry, she earned numerous certifications and certificates, including IV Venipuncture and Central Vascular Access Device Clinical Management, elder care training through Lankenau, and domestic violence advocacy training through the Bilingual Domestic Violence Project and Lutheran Settlement House.

Faith was the foundation of Marlene’s life. She served as a minister at Zion Church of San Domingo, Maryland, was active in United Women in Faith, and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, New Jersey, where she participated in the “I Am Free” Domestic Violence Ministry, offering encouragement, advocacy, and hope to survivors and their families.

Music was one of her greatest joys. Blessed with a beautiful voice, she loved singing from an early age and performed with a band in her younger years. Her passion for music and ministry led her to establish the Sharptown Community Chorus, a gospel choir that brought young people together through worship, fellowship, and praise.

Marlene was also a hardcore, lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. Win or lose, she proudly supported her team and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on, sharing that enthusiasm with family, friends, and anyone willing to talk football. She was also a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 269.

Above all, she cherished her family. She leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Sylvia “Marva” Goslee; her children, Verlena “Dawn” (Hill) Stanford; Alonzo Wade Morris, Jr. and his wife, Toni Morris; Christa “C.C.” Williams and her husband, Louis “Chip” Williams III; stepchildren, Derek “Ricky” Felton, Jr. and Dana Felton; and honorary daughter, Netsanet (Teshome) Cushing and her husband, Eric Cushing.

She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Quanice, Chappelle Jr., Colby and his wife, Jazzmiere, Brittni, Taylor, Alonta, Chaniqua, ShaLeisha, Jasiman, Devon, Darien, Lindzey, Joy, Jay “Mann,” Nechelle, Kiarra, Kristen, Imani, Lael, Noah, and Zakarias “Zak.” She was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply.

She is also survived by her siblings: Patsy Wragg; Gregory Cole and his wife, Delores; Sheila Carter and her husband, Kenneth “Kenny”; Yvette Goslee; Eric Goslee; and Derrick Goslee and his wife, Cynthia “Cindy”; and was preceded in death by her stepsister, Jameszenna "Jamie" Roach. She is also survived by her step brother-in-law, Ralph Roach.

Marlene was also blessed with the love of her mother's stepsiblings, whom she affectionately regarded as brothers and sisters: Margaret Cluff; Gary Cluff and his wife, Karen; Charles Cluff; and Stuart Cluff; along with the late Robert Cluff, Patricia Cluff, and Wayne Cluff. She treasured these relationships and considered them a cherished part of her extended family.

She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, friends, former colleagues, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Marlene's legacy is one of service, perseverance, compassion, and unconditional love. Whether caring for patients, ministering to others, feeding the hungry, advocating for survivors, leading worship through song, or encouraging those around her, she consistently put the needs of others before her own. Her life reflected God's love in action, and her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she now rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord she faithfully served.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

— Matthew 25:23