Marie Ridgeway

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Lord, in His boundless compassion, sent forth His Angel of Longevity to lovingly usher Marie T. Ridgeway into her heavenly home. In the sacred stillness of her daughter's home in Williamston, North Carolina, and surrounded by the presence of our loving family, she entered her blessed and eternal rest. Wrapped in the promises of God and carried by His peace, she now abides in the radiant fullness of His glory forevermore.

Marie T. Ridgeway was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on July 12, 1936, to the late Thomas Torrence and Essie M. Hyater. She lived her entire life in Portsmouth, Virginia. Marie was a 1955 graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, where she met the love of her life, David Lee Ridgeway, Jr. David and Marie were married for more than 30 years. They were blessed with three beautiful children.

Marie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and devoted her life to serving Him. She was one of the original Charter Members of Centennial Christian Center, faithfully ministering for nearly 40 years. She served in the Senior Choir, supported the Sunday School, labored with The Cheerful Workers (founded by her mother), and was a steadfast supporter of the church's ministry. In later years, she joined Faith Fellowship Community Church and ultimately found her spiritual home at Renewal Outreach Center, where she continued to serve faithfully until her health failed her.

Marie was a loving mother and grandmother who devoted her life to God, her family, her church, and her community. She worked in various vocations throughout her life, and after retirement, she remained active and found her greatest enjoyment in her work at the McDonald's on London Boulevard. There, she cherished working with Ms. Trina, the management team, and her crew. She never met a stranger and valued every opportunity to interact warmly with management, staff, and guests. Marie was also a proud member of the I.C. Norcom Alumni, Class of 1955.

Marie was predeceased by her loving husband, David; her sisters, Thomasine T. Mayo, Ida Bernice Williams, Rosetta Young, Marion T. Patterson (her twin), Olga Garrett; and one brother, Earl Williams.

She leaves to honor and cherish her memory, three children, Isaac Mabry, Garcia E. Ridgeway (Judy), Diana V. Smith (Kenneth); four grandchildren, Lorenzo Reid, Garcia E. Ridgeway, Jr., Dawn Jones, and Latasha N. Brown; six great-grandchildren, Harmonie Hatton, Mackenzie Jones, Elijah Brown, Ashleigh Bagner, Xavier Bagner, and Alexia Boughton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, classmates, and loving neighbors.