Marjorie Joan Fairfax

FAIRFAX, Marjorie Joan - Age 88, of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully at home on August 11, 2016. Born in Dartmouth on April 13, 1928, Marjorie was the daughter of the late Deacon Byron Tynes and Evelyn Cora Tynes. Marjorie grew up in the church under the guidance of her Father. Upon the death of her Mother, she continued to be nurtured by a Christian Aunt, Gladys Borden, who was a faithful, dedicated organist of Victoria Road United Baptist Church for over 40 years. At the age of 10, Jesus came into Sister Marjorie’s life and she accepted Him as the Lord of her life. Having some piano instruction from her Aunt, she soon found herself, at the age of 12, being involved as organist in the Sunday School. Music became a very important part of her life and during her teenage years, Sister Marjorie entered the Halifax Conservatory of Music and was able to complete eight years of piano and related studies. Her church involvement included attendance at Sunday School, later becoming a Sunday School Teacher. She joined what was known at that time as the Baptist Young People’s Union (BYPU) which is currently known as the Baptist Youth Fellowship (BYF). Later sister Marjorie would serve as Counsellor for the BYF. She was a member and leader of Christian Girls in Training (CGIT), as well as a leader of the Explorer Group. Sister Marjorie formed a Junior Choir and was also Organist and Choir Director for the young people’s group. Sister Marjorie was active in the adult groups of the church as well. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, holding all offices throughout the years and was appointed Mother of the Church by the Ladies group – the first church member ever to receive such an honour. Sister Marjorie was a Dominion Life Member and also a Charter Member of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) and has held all offices in the WMS over the years. Sister Marjorie has served on many boards and committees of the Church, including that of Assistant Church Clerk, Audit Committee, Music Committee, Anniversary Committee, Calendar Committee and Finance Committee. Sister Marjorie was appointed Church Organist of Victoria Road United Baptist Church in 1961, and during her husband’s ministry at Lucasville United Baptist Church and also served as Organist for the Church’s Girl’s Choir. Sister Marjorie has served as District #1 Representative on the Executive Board of the African United Baptist Women’s Institute for 8 years. In 1997, she received a certificate of appreciation in recognition of her long service as Institute Organist. In addition to her service as Organist, she has also served the Institute in the capacity of Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer of the Trust Fund. On August 30, 1950, Marjorie married Rev. Dr. Donald Fairfax of Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia at Victoria Road United Baptist Church. Together they were blessed with six children (four daughters and two sons).Marjorie Fairfax is predeceased by her husband Rev. Dr. Donald E. Fairfax. Brothers: Auston Tynes, Winnipeg; Cyril Tynes, Montreal; George Tynes, Holland and Dorothy Hinds, Halifax. Marjorie Fairfax is survived by Sister Joan Clarke, Toronto; Children: Elizabeth Thomas (Donald), Atlanta Ga.; Donald Edward Fairfax Jr., Dartmouth; Paula Patricia Fairfax (Erling Neilson), Toronto; David Isaac Fairfax (Joanne), Somerset; Myra Joan Fairfax (Ed Brown), Halifax; Andrew Perry, Halifax; Lois Naomi Fairfax (Michael Angod), Toronto; Grandchildren, Miessha (Thomas) Stennis, Jeni Thomas, Natalie-Anne Fairfax, Amanda Fairfax, Andrea (Fairfax) MacLean, Ashley (Fairfax) Beacon, Jackson Fairfax-Perry, Alana Fairfax, Meelo Fairfax-Angod, Gillian Garland-Fairfax and Micha Fairfax-Angod. Great grandchildren: Nakeith Horne, Madison Steenis, Lincolm Steenis and Isaac Bacon. While raising a family of six children, it became evident to Sister Marjorie that she would have to assist her husband with family finances, if they wanted their children to get an education. Therefore, Sister Marjorie decided to further her education through the Adult Continuing Education Program at the Atlantic Technical Vocational Training Centre to prepare herself to enter the workforce. Upon completion of her training, Sister Marjorie obtained employment with the Federal Government. She worked for 14 years in the Accounts Office of Transport Canada before retiring in September of 1991. God has allowed her, during her years as a pastor’s wife to receive recognitions from her Church, Victoria Road United Baptist, from the Ladies Auxiliary, the WMS, the Men’s Brotherhood, the Women’s Institute of the African United Baptist Association (AUBA), the YWCA and the Federal Government of Canada. Sister Marjorie was so very grateful to God for the blessings of strong Christian ties that bind us close to one another in the church families of Victoria Road, Lucasville and the extended church families of the AUBA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth. Visitation at the funeral home is Tuesday evening August 16th 6-8 pm and August 17th 2-4 pm. The Women’s Service is August 17th at 7 pm in the Victoria Road United Baptist Church, 36 Victoria Road, Dartmouth. A service to celebrate Marjorie’s life will take place August 18th at 11 am at the First Baptist Church, 100 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth, Reverend Wanda E. Lawrence officiating, followed by internment in the Christ Church Cemetery. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the many care providers from Nightingale Nursing Services and Northwood Homecare who provided exceptional care to Mrs. Fairfax. The family also wishes to extend their deepest expressions of gratitude to the following private care providers: Stella Clarke, Eleanor Cox, Natalie-Anne Fairfax, Nancy Godin, Sharon Jordan, Valerie Sparks and Sharon Williams. A special thank you to Caregivers Nova Scotia and their support group meetings. Family flowers only. To God be the Glory for the things He has done. Donations can be made to the Marjorie J. Fairfax Music Scholarship Fund and the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Online condolence may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com