Marjory Nelle Dews

Marjory Nelle Dews, of Fredericksburg, VA, went to glory on Thursday evening September 23, 2010. She died at home peacefully in her sleep. Marjory was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Hartwood, VA. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years Clyde W. Dews, her mother and father, Frances and Aura Tinkle, and brothers Howard, Warren, and Conrad. She is survived by her children William H. Dews, Roberta L. Dews, Angia Dews Timmons, and John F. Dews, and grandchildren James Nicolas and Jacqueline Denise Dews.

Marjory worked on the campus of Ball State University and did volunteer work with the Gray Ladies while in college there. She received her degrees in Education and Commercial Art.

Clyde Dews, a local Indiana boy, was a fellow student at Ball State before he was drafted. He served in the Army Air Corp as a cryptographer. Marjory and Clyde married on Mother’s Day, 5/13/1945.

After the war Marjory and Clyde moved to New Mexico where she taught school, designed homes with Clyde, and gave birth to her first son William. They remained in New Mexico for a couple more years before returning to Northern Virginia. While living in Falls Church, Roberta and Angia were born.

Shortly thereafter Clyde was called into the ministry where Marjory started her life as a preacher’s wife. During this time she lived in Woodbridge (where she gave birth to her forth and final child John), Brooke, Boonsboro, and Gainesville, VA. As preacher’s wife she traveled to the churches (he had a couple of multiple church charges) and used her talents as pianist, organist, Sunday School teacher, Choir Director and whatever else was needed. Marjory also became a local preacher (which is now known as a Lay Speaker). She taught in various schools during that time, including teaching here in Stafford County.

When John graduated from high school Mom, Dad, and John decided to move out to Madison County and build a home. Clyde shared his building knowledge with his son John while building their home in Reva, VA. In 1988 they designed a home that John and his crew built.

Marjory and Clyde were married for just over 49 years before Clyde went to glory. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about 5 years ago. Marjory Nelle Dews was a wonderful woman and mother and well loved by us all.

Family requests that in lieu of flowers please make donations to the building fund of Grace United Church (graceumc-hartwood.net) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). Memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Grace United Methodist Church (13056 Elk Ridge Road, Hartwood, VA 22406) on Saturday October 2, 2010 at 2pm. Fellowship and visitation with light refreshments will follow in the church annex.

Online guest book is available at www.mullinsthompsonstafford.com