Marian Speller Briley

Born Marian Lavern Steward on Sept 9th 1939 to the late Alfred and Bessie Steward. As a youngster she attended and was a member of Greater Metropolitan A. M. E. Z , where she taught and participated in Sunday
School. In addition, she was a member of the Chancellor Choir. Marian had a beautiful soprano voice and she loved to sing and she loved the Lord !
Marian attend Booker T Washington High School in 1957. She went on to continue her education and graduated from Virginia State University where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education with emphasis on
Special Education.

Marian worked for Norfolk public schools for more than 35 year’s. She would often bring in food for children that were hungry in her classroom. Her thoughts were that children couldn’t concentrate if they were hungry.
Marian over the years was a care giver to her parents, grandparents and uncles. This was who she was a teacher, a leader, a giver, a thinker and a child of God ! In her late 20’s Marian married her high school sweetheart Rufus Speller, Jr.
Although that union didn’t last they had two children and remained life long friends.

She is survived by her daughter Anita Anderson (Virginia Beach) predeceased by her son Alfred R. Speller Sr. (Virginia Beach) a Brother Alfred R. Steward (Virginia Beach) Vanessa, Grandson Alfred R. Speller Jr. Granddaughter Adrienne R Speller. Nephews Curtis C Steward (Virginia Beach) Sandra, Alfred R. Steward Jr. (Virginia Beach) Kim, Micheal Ware (Billings) Kyanne, Aaron Deboise (Alexandria) Crystal, Sherman Jones (New York) Wendy, Adrian Jones (Iowa) Theresa. Nieces Benita S. Norris (Virginia Beach) Henri, Denise George (Norfolk), Beverly Jones (predeceased). Bonus kids Russell Lee Jr , Russell Lee 3rd, Velma Vincent and (predeceased) Janice Lee.

Marian shared her love, her home, her voice, her wisdom and anything and everything she had to help someone in need. She had a wonderful loving spirit. “Everyday she would ask “ Where is Tootie ?”. She faithfully wanted to know
where her brother was who she loved more than words can express. The last thing Marian said before closing her eyes and going to sleep for the last time was “ Take me to my Mama“.
Marian loved her family! Marian was a devoted Christian and gave her life to Christ as a young woman and shared that spirit with everyone she met !