Marion H. Barbour

Marion Hattie Barnes Barbour was born on November 17, 1925, to the late Hattie Scott and Edward Barnes in McConchie, MD. She was the ninth of eleven children born to her parents. She was educated in Charles County, MD public schools and graduated from Bel Alton High School, Bel Alton, MD. She peacefully completed her journey of 100 years on earth on Monday, March 9, 2026. Her century of life was filled with love, strength, wisdom and unconditional devotion to her family.

Marion was a lifelong member of St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church in McConchie, MD. Her parents were among the founding members of the church. She and her siblings worked diligently with their parents and other African American families in the parish to have a church home for themselves. They helped maintain the heating of the church, cleaned the altar garments, candle holders, floors, and much more. With hard work and unwavering dedication to their mission, this early group of Christian visionaries made St Catherine’s a thriving church where many still gather and worship to this day.

Marion also taught Catechism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation classes after her mother stepped down. Am amazing example of her dedication to her faith and church was highlighted when she arranged to have the Archbishops from Washington, DC come to St Catherine’s to administer the sacraments to the children. Her love for St. Catherine was also notably exemplified as she personally washed, ironed and maintain the linens for the church alter and stands for over 60 years, replacing the linen as needed based on the color selections for weekly services, holy days and holidays. She would even purchase and donate the linens as well as the kneeling rails for the church. Marion will be forever remembered in the church history as the first African American female lector and the first African American female Eucharistic Minister at St. Catherine’s. She was truly a “good and faithful” servant.

Marion was united in marriage to Lloyd E. Barbour on June 21, 1943. From this union five children were born. Their youngest son Ronald passed away at a very young age. The other children faithfully attended St. Catherine and assisted their mother in whatever she needed and wanted them to do. Sterling was an altar server at the church.

After 50 years of marriage, Marion and Lloyd renewed their vows during their Golden Wedding Anniversary, celebrated on July 25,1993 in the company of family and friends.

Marion worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, MD for over 15 years. She retired from that position to come home and take care of her family. She loved to cook and bake and was known for her lemon meringue pies, pound cakes, bread pudding, famous potato salad, and turkey stuffing. For many years Marion along with her sisters-in-law, Clara Washington and Theresa Swann and niece Brenda Chase were known for making their delicious vegetable relish. Marion was especially known for her love of hats, which she wore with elegance, grace, and timeless style.

Marion joined the Knights of St. John International Sacred Heart Ladies Auxiliary #301, La Plata, MD on May 14, 1964. She served diligently as the Financial Secretary for more than 50 years and never used a calculator. She loved her position and took it very seriously. It was with a very heavy heart that she decided to give it up. She is fondly remembered in the Auxiliary for her impeccable accuracy, bookkeeping skills and attention to details.

Marion was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lloyd, sons Francis (Dickey) and Ronald and her 10 siblings. She leaves to cherish her memory: lovely daughters Audrey Johnson of Fort Washington; Joyce Barbour of Waldorf, MD; devoted son Sterling Barbour (Tova) of Encino, CA; grandchildren: Kevin (Connie), Daryll, Carmen, Erin, Tyeasha, Shaun (Albert), Stephanie, Candy, Troy, Yalonda, Deanna and Sterling, Jr.; great-grandchildren: Tamika, Daryll, Jr., Ashyah, Myles, Malachi, Matthew, Ricaria, Jasmine, Jalen (Tiffany), Rayna, Troy Jr., Breanna, Carnell and Ricardo; great-great-grandchildren: Peyton, Karsen, Skylar; and a host of other relatives and family.

Services, Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, LaPlata, Maryland 20646. Viewing 11am;Tributes 12noon; Mass of Christian Burial 12:30pm; Interment, St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church Cemetery, 7865 Port Tobacco Road, McConchie, Maryland.