Marion Jean Benton

Marion Jean Benton, 70, died peacefully at home in Indianola, WA, surrounded by loving family.

When Marion was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2021, she responded via video to friends and family, saying, “We love the doctor, and it looks like things are going to be blessed!” From that day forward, she met every challenge with strength, courage, a positive attitude, and gratitude for the many blessings she received.

Marion was born in Erie, PA, and lived there most of her life, where she worked in respiratory care and as an RN at St. Vincent Hospital. She spent the last two decades of her life caring for family and friends, while also raising her children – despite multiple health challenges of her own.

In 2015, she moved to Indianola, WA to be close to her sister, Nani, and her wife, Jill. They formed a pact to take care of one another until the end, regardless of who went first. No one thought Marion’s end of life would arrive so quickly. Nani and Jill were able to keep their promise and care for her at home until her death.

She loved her church home at Sinclair Missionary Baptist Church in Bremerton, and the friendships she made there greatly enriched her new life in the Pacific Northwest.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Joyce Baran, and her sister, Patty. She is survived by her five children: Theresa Edmonds, Aleta Barnett, Jamaal Barnett, Parris Warner, and Malique Mitchell; her sisters, Dina Lanagan and Nani Baran, and her brother, Ed; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a thousand friends.

Marion spread goodness and light everywhere she went and everyone who knew her loved her. She was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to us all.

Donations in her memory may be made to:

Missionary Society of Sinclair Missionary Baptist Church,
PO Box 4326
Bremerton, WA 98312
sinclairmbc.org

Seattle Sickle Cell Task Force
PO Box 20194
Seattle, WA 98102
sicklecelldisease.org


Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.