Marlene Elizabeth Weems-Beatty was born on February 28,1942, to the late Bernadette I. and Aaron N. Weems Sr. She was one of 11 siblings. Marlene and her siblings grew up in Southwest, D.C. She was educated in the D.C. Public School System, where she attended Syphax Elementary, Randall Junior High and graduated from Cardozo Senior High school, where she received her high school diploma. She was very proud of this accomplishment.

Although she was one of the younger siblings, she loved to sing, dance, gather photos and listen to the family history. Coming from a large family, she learned to care and share. She didn’t always have what she wanted, but she always had what she needed. She always had a loving mother, father and siblings who meant the world to her.

As a child, the family attended St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Southwest, D.C. Later in her adult life, Marlene attended and was baptized at Mathews Memorial Baptist Church on September 27, 1981, by the late Reverend Wendell P. Russell, Sr. Through these years, Marlene was very active in her church community. She was a regular in Sunday school and Bible class. She was a member of the Cogar Choraliers Outreach Ministry visiting the sick and shut in and sang in the Cogar Choraliers, women’s, senior and mass choirs. She was a staple in her church community and loved by all who knew her.

Marlene worked for several employers during her life. From 1966-1981, she was employed by U.S.G.A.O and G.S.A. Upon her resignation, she became gainfully employed at The New Parkchester Rental Of ice from 1982-1984. She enjoyed this position very much eventually becoming a board member. Her next endeavor was working at Birney Elementary School as a parent partner. She enjoyed interacting with teachers and students and met a life-long friend, Ms. Thelma Jarrett. She would later become an Aide and work at MMBC Child Development Center. Leaving MMBC, she began working at Skyland Apartments in 1988 until her retirement in 2009.

During her early years of working, Marlene was employed at Elite Laundry in 1960 where she met and later married the love of her life John R. Beatty in 1967. Through this union, they became the proud parents of daughter Robin M. Beatty, a blessed addition to their family who they adored immensely. Marlene and John lived, laughed and loved together until his passing in March of 1983.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Bernadette I. and Aaron N. Weems, husband John R. Beatty, grandson Jovon A. Beatty, 5 brothers Joseph E. Sr., Aaron N. Jr., James A. Sr. (Tony), Charles H., and Ronald T. Weems Sr. 5 sisters Bernadette I. Washington (Babysis), Francis O. Stewart (Fannie), Marie C. Dykes, Rosamond M. Belt, and Sharon T. Weems.

I leave my memories to be cherished by my daughter Robin, grandchildren Jon, Justice, Jonell, Joseph and their father Joseph. Sister-In- Law Alice Weems (Bea), Brother-In-Laws Vernon and Ernest Beatty Jr., Godsons Kirk Carter and Aaron Stewart. Lifelong friends Melvin Gray and Ralph Ward, an abundance of nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

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