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SUFFOLK – Marlene Adeline Lillian Mason-Spivey, 85, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness. A native of Chicago, Illinois, she was predeceased by her parents, Leslie H. and Dorothy Belzer. She was also predeceased by R.L. Robertson Jr., her ex-husband and father of her children; Lloyd H. Mason, her second husband; and J. D. Spivey, her third husband.

She is survived by her three children: Dale L. Robertson (Lisa) of Windsor, Kathy R. Moore (H.B.) of Suffolk, and Glen M. Robertson of Virginia Beach; a sister, Noreen A. Gaynor of Augusta, Georgia; her grandchildren, Nicole Matthews of Vine Grove, Kentucky, Nathan

B. Moore of Suffolk and Mallory L. Moore of Portsmouth; her great-grandchildren, Kayden, Ethan, and Marissa, of Vine Grove, Kentucky; niece and goddaughter, Loreen L. Bryant of Augusta, Georgia, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. She also leaves behind her faithful canine companion, Kaitlyn.

Marlene had previously worked at several medical offices in the community, most notably, Carroll-Pinto Inc., in Franklin. Additionally, she worked within the medical field by joining the Ladies Auxiliary of the Nansemond Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, where she was a captain of the original First Aid Team. She held several local and regional offices within the Ladies Auxiliary which culminated in her moving through the chairs and ultimately being elected State President of that organization. Later, once women were allowed to join the rescue squads, she became an active squad member with the Nansemond Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad and Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad. She, among others, was instrumental in ultimately founding the Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad. While at WVRS, she succeeded her then-husband by being elected Regional Vice President, thereby becoming the first woman to hold a State office in the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. She was a Nationally Registered EMT, Shock/Trauma Tech, IV Tech and an EMT Instructor.

She enjoyed her church family at Bethany Presbyterian Church, where she had served as an Elder, sang in the Chancel Choir (she was a wonderful soprano) and played handbells. She loved music and learning new pieces for Christmas and Easter cantatas. She was very active in other church activities, as well.

She was the consummate mother, grandmother, and sister – always checking in to make sure everyone was happy and healthy. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she was delighted to be called “Gram.” She had a sweet tooth, loved strawberries, the Hallmark Channel and was a voracious reader, a trait which she instilled in all three of her children.

Visitation will be held at Wright Funeral Home from 6 – 8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19. A funeral service will be held on Monday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5358 Zuni Circle, Zuni, VA 23898, with burial service to follow at Southampton Memorial Park, 27396 Pretlow Road, Franklin, VA 23851.

Friends may join the family after the service at the home of H.B. and Kathy Moore, 118 King’s Point Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 601, Windsor, VA 23487. Wright Funeral Home is serving the family.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org