My friend Marjorie Myers died this morning after a long illness. She was 80 years old. I’m quoting, more or less, the email written by our pastor this evening. “She was surrounded by the love and concern of her many family members and friends. Margie will always be remembered for teaching literally thousands of children over the years about Jesus and the Bible. She was a consecrated, rostered Deaconess of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of the Order of St. Stephen, Deacon. She served Messiah Lutheran Church in Baltimore. She also was a teacher and a religious educator at St. John Christian Day School from its beginning to its closure, a tenure of more than 50 years. She was predeceased by her husband John Myers. She has two sons, John and Timothy; and one daughter, Christine; and several siblings and grandchildren. She had been a member of St. John Lutheran Church since her family moved to Brooklyn in the 1940′s. She earned a Master of Theology degree from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, of which she was justifiably very proud. In addition, she was a long-time member of the choir of St. John, and for many years, a Sunday School instructor. She continued her ministries until virtually her death, which was peaceful.”

Margie’s rich singing voice guided all the music at our church. Those of us who remember her as a teacher will remember her charisma, her pretty eyes and smile, and her clear, engaging voice, whether she was teaching a lesson or lending her lovely alto voice to a hymn. I didn’t attend preschool at St. John’s, and envied those who had been in her class. She, along with Tim and Christine, sang in a community chorus and performed in community theater. She transmitted her love of music and performing both to her children and her students. Her busy life before she returned to college included serving as a camp counselor at Mar-Lu-Ridge and working as a weight loss coach for Weight Watchers. My life is rich with memories of Margie being active in so many ways, and with Christine’s and my being close friends, taking me along for the ride. Some long rides, too, to the beach, summer camp, or historic sites. Not only was she my “2nd mom,” she was a very cool one, at that. One might think, with all her accomplishments and gifts, that it goes without saying that Margie was spiritual and intelligent. But it should be said. She had a curious mind and a hearty sense of humor. More than a calling to teaching and ministry, she had a serenity and contagious love for God that made even the mysteries of the Bible make sense to children.

Margie served as custodian of the memory of her husband John, who was also a St. John’s teacher and a deacon. He was my most important art teacher and mentor. Together they left a real legacy: 3 talented children who all went into teaching too.

A few years ago I had to leave a phone message for Margie, which I ended with an off-handed but sincere “I love you,” the same way I’d end any conversation with my own mother. Later, when we spoke directly, she said that it was sweet the way I “slipped in” those words. I just thought it was a given. If anyone didn’tlove Margie, it was most likely because they envied her winning way with people and her many talents. I found her example inspiring, because if she had any doubts, about her faith or herself, she didn’t let them show. She presented herself as purposeful and self-assured.

Marjorie Myers on Mother's Day, 2011

I thought about her a great deal when I was in western Maryland last weekend, because we were roughly near our summer camp. At that point it was futile to pray that she wouldn’t die or that she would recover from her long illness. The most we could ask was that her passing into the next life would be as peaceful and painless as possible.

Please keep Margie’s family in your prayers. Thank you.