Marcia Yvonne Fentress

Marcia Yvonne Fentress answered the Lord’s call on December 13, 2024. She was born the fourth child of seven to the late Alvin and Patty Fentress on February 9, 1955, in Evansville, IN. She was usually quiet and passive in nature often agreeable to whatever the majority wanted. Nevertheless, she had no problem standing her ground when the line was crossed. 

 Marcia gave her life to Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Cleaves Memorial CME Church. She was very active serving in many capacities on the local, district, and annual conference levels throughout the years. Her numerous memberships and offices included Stewardess Board president, at the local & district levels; Board of Christian Education; Missionary Society president; worked with the youth and children’s ministry organizing plays; made and distributed treat bags for the church for every holiday; sang in the Cleaves Chorus and served as secretary; assisted with the Cleaves Clothes Closet; delegate to the District & Annual Conferences for many years. She was a faithful and dedicated church member who supported her church financially and spiritually.

 Marcia was a graduate of Reitz High School and went on to further her education at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN where she received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She also attained her master’s degree in education. After college, Marcia returned to Evansville to teach in the Evansville Vanderburgh Co. School Corporation for more than 20 years working at Helfrick Park, McGary, and Plaza schools. She loved working with children and especially enjoyed teaching her Home Economics classes. She utilized her teaching talents in her church where she was a Sunday School teacher of children and adults. Marcia held the position of Sunday School Superintendent for many years and organized Vacation Bible School for the Cleaves children and those in the surrounding neighborhood. 

 Marcia spent much of her leisure time visiting various family and friends, checking in on those who were sick and shut-in. She enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews helping them with their homework or preparing them for church activities. She loved movies but as an avid television watcher, her passion was cooking shows. Since baking was Marcia’s specialty, she was often asked to bake special treats for family members during holiday get-togethers. Despite her fussing and complaining she would quietly try and fulfill each request. 

 Marcia lost her fight to kidney disease after a more than 10-year battle. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her grandmother, Estra Cunningham; brother, Earl Cunningham; sisters, Earline Fentress and Beatrice Fentress; nephews, Mark Anthony Tyler and Terry Lynn Tyler.

 Marcia leaves to cherish fond memories, her sisters, Esther Fentress, Pamela Fentress, Patricia Fentress; nephews, Darryl Tyler, Kevin Tyler, Brian Fentress, Joseph Jordan, Anthony Fentress, Emmanuel Fentress; nieces, LeVone Tyler, Pamela Hooks, Lakiesha Fentress, Patricia Yvonne Fentress, and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.