Marjorie Jackson LaBarge

Margie graduated from Berry College in Georgia, taught high school, and then earned her Master’s at FSU before moving to California to teach college. In 1968, Margie received a call in California asking her to move to Orlando to teach health and physical education at the then-new Valencia Junior College…and she did.

Throughout her career, Margie’s first thought always was for the “underdog.” At Valencia, she formed the first panel of ex-drug users to speak to teenagers; this involvement with drug prevention led her, in 1970, to become Director of Thee Door (the Center for Drug Free Living – Now Aspire Health). In seven short years as director, Margie led Thee Door from a staff of five ex-drug users to a staff of 100 and 13 various drug prevention centers.

To have an even broader impact on the community, Margie then accepted a position with Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) where her culminating position was Senior Administrator for Safe and Drug Free Schools. That title symbolized the contributions Margie made to endless individuals throughout her 20 years with OCPS for if a crisis impacted a student, faculty or staff member in a school, Margie and her teams were there to assist in every way possible. That call to California in 1968 brought to Orlando a selfless and competent Margie LaBarge whose visions and efforts have had a significant and positive impact on our community.

Margie was created to be a guiding light in this world. Her light was the strength we depended on. Her vision and passion were for doing good things for children and families and hope for a safer world filled with love. She blazed a trail for those in need. You will know you have been in Margie's presence by the trail of light she leaves behind.

She leaves her beloved husband of 43 years Robert LaBarge; daughter Lollie Wahl (Jason) of Orlando; son Michael LaBarge of Windermere; brother Jack Jackson (Ann) of Atlanta, GA; five grandsons: Trevor, Tucker, Tate, Henry and Landon; and niece Jennifer Mize (John) of Nashville, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to the Tangelo Park Pilot Program OR the Rosen Parramore P S 8 Foundation, Inc., Attn: Frank Santos, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 or a charity of choice in Margie’s name.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, November 21, 2016 at 2:00 pm at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church at Windermere (4851 S. Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819).