Marvina Deidre Jackson

On Friday night, December 19, 2025, Rev. Marvina D. Estell-Jackson ‘kissed’ God hello and received her wings, at the home of her youngest son, Phillip Smith, Bonner Springs, Ks.

August 28, 1948, Marvina was the first child born to Dorothy and William B. Estell Jr. in Kansas City, Ks. As the oldest child, Marvina took that role very seriously, always on the lookout for her sisters and brother, making sure they were safe. Joining the legacy left by Grandma Rhodie Jenkins, Uncle (Sonny) Charles Harrison, and her mother, Dorothy Estell, she, along with her siblings, was baptized in the 8th St. Baptist Church in Kansas City, Ks. From attending Sunday school, to teaching Sunday school; and from singing in the choir to directing the choir – not only at 8th St. but also other churches in the greater Kansas City area - 8th St has been and continues to be ‘home’, the place upon which the foundation of her faith, her love for God and the call to serve, was both founded and built.

Marvina’s early education began at Douglas Elementary, before moving to Lowell Elementary, during the days of French Poodle skirts and pedal pushers. Junior HS started at Central Junior and ended at Northeast Junior HS. After Northeast, she attended Sumner High School, where she discovered two other loves of her life – water, as she joined the swim team and became a synchronized swimmer. Then, under Mr. Beasley’s instruction, she enhanced her artistic gifts, recreating images on canvas and more. Being in the water (swimming) was her happy place, while having a pen, pencil, chalk, or pretty much any instrument allowed her to create or re-create beauty (i.e. make-up artistry to an album cover, church programs, and so much more).

After graduating from Sumner High School’s Class of 66’, Marvina began working at Hallmark Cards, married Walter S. Fields, and gave birth to her first child, a daughter, Sherron G. Fields. Tragedy struck, changing the course of that relationship, as she continued to raise her daughter, work in the church, and work for Hallmark Cards, while also modeling for them. Yes, it was not unusual to see Marvina’s smile on the cover of several Hallmark greeting cards. Later, she married Owen E. Smith, and to that marriage, she gave birth to two boys, Owen E. Smith Jr. and Phillip J. Smith. Determined to complete her undergraduate degree, she returned to school, taking night classes, until she earned a degree in art from Ottawa University. With that, there was no time to take a break. Always busy, always on the go, she served as a ‘track’ mom for Sherron, who medaled in every event – 100, 200, every 400 relay; a ‘band’ mom for Phillip during his years on the drum line and as drum major for Lincoln University, as an army mom for her son who served as – Sargent E5 Owen Jr., and directed the I. H. Henderson Teenage Choir at the 8th St. Baptist Church, among other things.

Marvina retired from Hallmark Cards after 30 years in several capacities - in retouch, as a free-lance artist, and in the graphic arts division. Knowing God had more for her to do, she wasted no time and followed the guidance leading her to attend Central Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master's of Divinity degree, became a Board-Certified Chaplain, and was certified on July 8, 2001, as a Hospital Chaplain by the 8th St. Baptist Church. That was a grueling process and journey, but she made it. Beginning at Provident Hospital, Marvina served as a Chaplain for fourteen years. She moved on to serve at both St. Luke’s Hospital Kansas City North and St. Luke’s Hospital, KC South, retiring from St. Luke’s Hospital during the pandemic. Life challenges in her youth and during her lifetime uniquely equipped her to see, sense, serve, and care for those who were sent to her for comfort, guidance, and care. It was her passion, and she loved every bit of it. She has counseled many under her counseling service, ‘Take Up Thy Mat’, married more-including her grandson and sister, and eulogized several who made their own journeys home. She did not keep her passion or wisdom to herself, spending time doing missionary work in Haiti, sharing ‘Daily Devotionals’ to over 70 people via text, and providing instruction and guidance to many interns she trained to serve and care for others.

Whenever she was called on or asked to sing, teach, preach, or pray, and wherever she was asked to be, serving God in whatever capacity she was able, she did. She always showed up. Many things she would say, but one of her favorites was, “‘To God Be the Glory’, To God Be the Glory, To God Be the Glory, for the things He has done.’”

She was preceded in death by her parents, William B. Estell Jr., Dorothy Estell Hawthorne; her husbands, Walter S. Fields, Owen E. Smith Jr., and William Jackson; her brother, William (Skeeter) Estell III; her grandson, Owen (Beedee) Smith (IV); and her granddaughter, Tanaizgha Robinson.

Marvina leaves to cherish her memory, her love, laughter, and joy, her three children: Sherron G. Fields-Willis of Bonner Springs. Ks., Owen E. Smith Jr. of Tempe, AZ, and Phillip J. Smith (Melanie Haynes-Smith) of Bonner Springs, Ks; her two sisters, Deborah L. Estell of Keller, TX, and Rhodelle Estell-Miller (Joseph) Kansas City, Ks.; her grandchildren, Darien D. Willis (Destiny) Caleb D. Willis, Tiana T. Franklin, TeAhcha Robinson, Ojuan Smith, Lillian R. Smith, Zayah O. Smith, Christopher Dotson, Stevi Smith, Malachi Haynes, Micha Haynes, and Mekhi Haynes; great grandchildren, Carter E. (Skeeter) Willis, Trevor R.Willis, Atlas G. Willis; along with very special friends, (Minister Dian, Sheila, her Goddaughter Regina,) and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, co-workers, those whose lives she touched and those who not only touched hers, but also attended to her during her journey home. To each of you and any others …Thank you.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the 8th Street Baptist Church, 1420 North 8th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by Funeral Services at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Chapel HIll Memorial Gardens.