Marjorie Witt

Marjorie A. Witt PORTSMOUTH - Marjorie A. Witt, 92, of Mount Vernon Ave., took the hand of Jesus and peacefully went to her heavenly home Oct. 14, 2010. She was born April 5, 1918 in Wilson, N.C., to the late Bessie and Zebedee Atkinson. She was predeceased by a brother, Reinald (Zeb) Atkinson; a sister, Ruth Willoughby; nephew, Jimmy; great-nephew, Jesse Willoughby, and niece, Dawn Chiera. Marjorie was an avid reader, and enjoyed solving various puzzles, especially the daily crossword in the paper. As a former Air Force military spouse she lived in many of the U.S. states as well as in Germany during the "Berlin air lift period" following World War II. She settled in Syracuse, N.Y., for many years. While there she participated in many activities including Little Theatre, bowling leagues, church activities, and really loved time spent with a Trail Club hiking and climbing in the Adirondack Mountains. She retired from Agway Inc., in 1980 and came to Portsmouth to help care for her mother. Much of her time in her final years was spent helping her family in times of illness and other needs. Marjorie donated her body to science as her last act to help others. Left to cherish her memory are a sister, Nancy A. Chiera; nephews, Mike Atkinson (Wanda), Gary Atkinson (Liz), Jerry Willoughby (Laurie), Bob Chiera (Denise); a niece, Sandy Trull (Michael); a stepdaughter, Lee Mazzye (Pete) and her children; and several great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Surry St. Baptist Church, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a favorite charity, or planting of live memorials that will live on and add beauty to nature. "Sister" will be greatly missed by her family and friends - and especially her beloved "Cali."