Marion Louise Skinner

Marion Louise (Prevost) Skinner passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at the remarkable age of 105, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 26, 1920, in Newport Station, Hants County, Nova Scotia, Marion was the daughter of the late George Alfred Prevost and Stella May (Paris) Prevost. One of twelve children, she grew up in a close‑knit family where hard work, faith, and community shaped her early life. Under her father’s guidance, she learned to drive a horse and wagon, shingle roofs, and tend the family garden—experiences that nurtured the determination, independence, and strong work ethic that defined her character.

A Life of Learning and Christian Service

Marion graduated from the Provincial Normal College in Truro with a teaching diploma in 1940. Her commitment to Christian leadership led her to Acadia University from 1947 to 1949, where she earned a Diploma in Christian Leadership Training.

She spent much of her life in Halifax, where she became a devoted and influential member of Cornwallis Street Baptist Church (now New Horizons Baptist Church), the mother church of the African United Baptist Association. She provided leadership in Sunday School, Women’s Work, and served faithfully in the Deacon’s Ministry.

From 1949 to 1953, Marion served as a Field Worker throughout Black communities in Nova Scotia. She organized C.G.I.T. groups, Christian youth programs, Daily Vacation Bible Schools, Young People’s Groups, Ladies Auxiliaries, and Missionary Groups. She established the first Ladies’ Auxiliary in Lequille and the first 10‑day Daily Vacation Bible Schools across the province. Her ministry also included countless hospital and nursing home visitations.

Marion later served as interim pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Saint John, New Brunswick. She became the first Black Missionary in Nova Scotia under the African United Baptist Association—an achievement that reflected both her courage and her calling.

A Devoted Educator

Marion’s teaching career spanned 39 years, much of it in segregated schools across Nova Scotia. She taught in Conway (1940–1943), North Preston (1943–1945), and Beechville (1945–1947). From 1953 to 1964, she served as principal of Beechville School. She later taught at Richmond School in Halifax (1964–1983) and St. Joseph’s-Alexander MacKay School (1983–1985). Even after retirement, she continued her love of learning by auditing classes at Dalhousie University.

Throughout her career, she worked alongside respected educators such as Edmond Morris and Walter Fitzgerald. Their later public service inspired her to consider a similar path, but Marion remained steadfast in her true calling—serving God, supporting her family, and nurturing young people.

She cared deeply for her students, offering extra time, cookies, encouragement, and guidance. She reminded them of the value of education, the importance of self‑respect, and the opportunities that awaited them.

Faith, Family, and Community

Faith was the cornerstone of Marion’s life. Through church activities and community service, she met her future husband Bill, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service.

Beyond her professional and church commitments, Marion devoted countless hours to community organizations. Through mentorship, conversation, and simple acts of kindness, she guided many young people toward brighter futures. She formed lifelong friendships and touched lives throughout Nova Scotia and beyond.

Marion was a devoted wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, and great‑great‑grandmother. Her family was among her greatest joys.

Family and Legacy

Marion was predeceased by her husband Cecil William (Bill ) in 1993.

Marion leaves behind her children, William (Bill) Skinner (Jill) of New Glasgow and Darlene Logan (Frank) of Dartmouth.

She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren:

Andrew Skinner (Adele) of Vancouver,

Craig Skinner (Dawn) of Saskatoon,

James Skinner (Rosalyn) of Indianapolis,

and Mark Skinner of Halifax.

She is also survived by her four great‑grandchildren

Donovan and Thane of Saskatoon, and Theo and Miles of Indianapolis—and her two great‑great‑grandchildren, Nilez and Leo of Saskatoon. Witnessing the growth and accomplishments of her family brought her immeasurable joy.

Marion is survived by her sisters, Maxine Shephard and Sharon Prevost of Dartmouth, and her brother, Blayne Prevost of Fall River, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Life Rich in Experience

Marion loved to travel. She explored Canada from Newfoundland’s rugged coastlines to the Rocky Mountains and Jasper National Park. Internationally, she visited Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, sang with the Choir of Westminster Abbey, and on a later trip experienced the breathtaking Peak to Peak Gondola ride between Whistler and Blackcomb , British Columbia.

A Legacy of Faith and Love

Above all, Marion’s life was a testament to faith, service, learning, perseverance, and love. Her influence continues to be felt in the students she taught, the communities she served, the churches she strengthened, the friendships she cherished, and the family she loved so deeply. Marion shared a special relationship with her youngest Sister Sharon who visited and cared for Mom daily.

Our family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Dr. Imuran Hack of New Glasgow. His care and guidance allowed Marion to live life to the fullest. A special thank you to The Staff , The Sisters and Resident Friends at Caritas Home that supported, cared for and loved Marion.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cruikshank's Halifax Funeral Home. The funeral will take place Friday, July 3rd at 11 am in New Horizons Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Marion's memory to New Horizons Baptist Church.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23