The Lifeof MargueriteSpratleyWorsley
Mrs. Marguerite Spratley
Worsley transitioned from this life on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Riverside Regional Hospital, in Newport News, Virginia in the presence of medical staff and her son, Rev. Michael C. Worsley. She was 97 years old.
Mrs.Worsley was born in Smithfield, Virginia on July 13, 1927. Her parents were the late Herbert and Gertelia Spratley Sr. She was the 3rd of 4 children.
Mrs.Worsley grew up and became a lifelong resident of Newport News. For the first five years of her life, Marguerite lived with her parents and her siblings. A little later, after the passing of her parents, they were all raised by their maternal grandmother, the late Alberta Smith. Mrs. Worsley attended both John Marshall and Dunbar Elementary Schools and completed her secondary education at Huntington High School, in the Class of 1945. Shortly afterward, she met and married the love of her life, Mr. James Albert (Buster) Worsley. Through this union, LaVerne was born in 1948, and Michael Cornel Worsley, in 1957).
For many years, Mrs. Worsley held several jobs finishing her successful career in the home health field as a Nurse’s Aide. Her last professional role was at Riverside Hospital applying her skills to patient support.
Mrs. Worsley grew up attending Zion Baptist Church and as an adult. she proudly became a member of the Gospel Choir. Later, she joined the newly established Gethsemane Baptist Church of
Newport News, under Bishop, Rev. Dr. Dwight Riddick. She was a member in good standing for 40 years. While in good health, she sang in the choir for a few years, then faithfully served as a Deaconess and a Missionary.
Deaconess Worsley was predeceased by her grandparents, parents, and siblings, one brother, Herbert Spratley Sr. (Ella), and two sisters, Alberta Taft (Abraham) and Gloria Tabb (Emmit), all of Newport News,Virginia. Her husband James A Worsley, passed away on January 8, 2018 also at 97 years old. Ironically, her passing on February 9th, was also his birthday.
She leaves to cherish her memory a loving daughter, LaVerne Gillis (Loving Son In Law, Eugene) of Canton, OH and a faithful son and full time, caregiver Rev. Michael C. Worsley, Newport News VA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
Amazing shall be mysongof GRACE ALWAYS PRAISE
“ ur memories of you will forever bring us comfort.”
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Afterglow
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Floralbearers
Deaconess Ministry of Gethsemane
Pallbearers
Family and Friends
Special Thanks
Special Thanks For Ongoing Support or Encouragement of Deaconess Worsley & Rev. Worsley Over The Years (Please forgive if we have somehow not remembered everyone)
Church: Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Ms. Sharon Johnson, Ms. Karen Grigsby, Rev. Dr. Brenda Ferguson, Deaconess, Rachel Augburn, and Deacon Tucker
Friends: Ms. Belinda Bethea, Min. James Bethea, Mr. Richard Williams, Ms. Annette Clayton, Mr. William Pleasant, Ms. Rochelle Pleasant, Rev. Dr. Carl Bentley, Rev. Harold Brinkley, Rev. James H.ewis ll, Ms. Rita Dove, Ms. Eunice McNair , Ms. Pauline Melbourne, Ms.Waltina Edwards, Rev. Alvin Sykes, Rev. Earl B. Payton, Rev. James Arthur Temple Jr., and Mr. Jonathan Wright
Neighbors: Mr. Roosevelt Hamlin, Ms. Connie Hamlin, Ms. Dianne Holley, Mr. Oliver Piggott, Mr. Derek.Vincent, Ms. Pat Vincent, Ms. Jonelle McNair
Family: Elder Deloris Pettaway, Apostle David Pettaway, Mr. Albert Worsley, Mr. Herbert Spratley Jr., Rev. Dr. Dwight Spratley, Ms. Gloria Spratley, Ms. Anita Hunter, Ms. Jean Trower, Ms. Shirley Ruffin, Mr. Marcus Worsley, Ms. Tia Tabb, and Ms. Connie Tabb
