Thinking of you Marie. It’s been a long year without you.  I have missed your energy, laughter and smiles.  There are days that I feel you  right beside me…guiding me, telling me your opinion and rooting me on in this game called life. I celebrate you today! Because I know you are sitting with God, looking down on us and speaking of so many memories that brought joy and love to your life…us…your joy! I love you Marie! Keep shining that eternal light…❤️

Dr. McDemmond was an incredible person, one who easily praised, critiqued, supported and encouraged. She knew her stuff and excelled in so many areas, leadership, finances, management and caring. She spoke with ease in all settings, and though small in statute she was known to command a room and had the gift of being able to break down complex topics so that even the most unknowing understood. I had the good fortune of working for her at Norfolk State University (NSU) , what a blessing; and also on the Bryn Mawr  College HERS women’s leadership program.  Her leadership at NSU and her BMC Fireside Talks were epic and shaped many men and women and their families’ lives ’worldwide’! 
Dr. McDemmond is a perfect example of one person making a difference in the world, a significant, sustainable difference. May God bless her sons, grands, family, and friends and as stated by so many yesterday at the NSU Memorial Service, she will be sorely missed! Rest in Heavenly peace Dr. M...


Praying that God will grant you comfort and peace as you transition through this season. Know that your love one is resting in HIS arms. She will live in your heart ❤️

Our deepest condolences 
Andrea and Carlos Spruill 

My name is Vanessa Parker I'm a Pollbook Officer for the city of Norfolk Virginia and I so admired and enjoyed seeing  your love one NSU President come into our precinct at voting time to vote.  She was always very friendly and we admired her fashionable attire always ! On behalf of the ladies that had the pleasure of meeting your love one we are sorry for your loss.

VANESSA L. PARKER
Poll book voting Officer. Norfolk, Virginia

South Florida has lost an angel! As a faculty member and graduate of FIU's Leadership program I benefitted immensely from Marie's advice and intuition! May she rest in peace with no more suffering! Our memories of her will sustain us.
Deanne Butchey

I attended Xavier Preparatory High School with your mother  and grandmother. Val, as  she was known to us, was one of the nicest  students on 
campus.  When I saw her again at our class reunion 
in Las Vegas, she was still  the friendly and kind person that I knew in high.

I first met Marie in the early 1970s when we both served as campus directors of our respective colleges’ opportunity programs in New York State. I was then and remained in awe of her professional acumen and was honored when she ask me to join her as Vice President of University Advancement at Norfolk State.  I am grateful for the fifty plus years of knowing Marie. Rest In Peace friend.

It has been an honor and a privilege to share time, space and love with Marie. She saw me, a young lady full of potential, but had little direction in this journey called life.   Her kindness opened doors for me that I had no idea existed! She saw my full potential even before I did. As a single parent  I had no idea of the challenges that I would face and  she did not let me walk alone. She believed in and supported my dreams and goals! She challenged me to believe in myself and helped me to find my purpose. She was my earth angel! Our hearts bonded into a  friendship that was wrapped with unconditional love. Her spirit was strong , endearing and contagious. It was an absolute pleasure to watch this woman in action. Her force was powerful and vibrant, her heart  full of love and compassion and her knowledge and fortitude moved mountains for many.  She took us under her wing and treated us as family.  My son has grown up knowing Marie had his back! She helped in making him a better person and reach goals and dreams allowing him to be a successful young man and business owner. There are not enough words to show how much we care for you Marie. You will always be our guiding light in the stars…that ray of sunshine and the sweet fragrance of Mother Nature! Angel wings are heavy and you wore them with grace and beauty on earth! I can only imagine the things you will do in heaven! I love you…always and forever Marie….thank you for loving us!
Kathy Bass and Kyle Newman

Marie,
You had such a massive influence on not only my life but also my mothers and I can't thank you enough for everything you've done. I can't even begin to imagine how my mom and I's life would be if she hadn't of met you. You had an ability to open doors most could never imagine with such ease and grace. You held the weight of the world on your shoulders while carrying yourself in such a humble and elegant manner. You were truly... One of a kind. I genuinely attribute a good majority of the success I've been blessed to experience to you and the doors you opened for both my mother and I and the direction you pointed us both in. You helped me get into a gifted middle school, wrote me letters of recommendation for college, offered mentorship to me at the drop of a dime, gave me advice when I started my company, took my mom under your wing during  her college experience and continued to be not just a mentor,  but a very dear friend ever since. Frankly, you've done so many positive things for us I think I'd exceed the "characters limit" if I attempted to list even half of them. I can only imagine all of the wonderful things you've done for everyone else. I'm so blessed to have had the honor of knowing you and having you as a close family friend for as long as you've been.  You were a rare breed of genuinely kind hearted people. We truly lost a great woman on earth, however, heaven may have gained one of it's best angels to date. You will forever have a special place in my heart and I know in my moms too. Words can't express my gratitude towards the impact you've made on our lives... Thank you so much for being you. You will be deeply missed, not just by us, but by many. 

Love Always,
Kyle Newman

Marie was a brilliant nationally recognized leader in higher education. She was also a wonderful mentor to many in her field. I feel blessed to have known her. 
To her family, we all know how much she adored you. She spoke of you with such pride. The heart has its own memory and I hope that in her memory you will relish the rich legacy she has left you and find comfort and peace.
Rosa L. Jones


Marie recruited me from M.I.T. to join her at NSU as her Special Assistant and Chief of Staff. I jumped at the opportunity to work with a brilliant leader and finance maven!

MARIE: BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT

We all know that Marie was a stunning woman.  There is no debate on this topic.  Stunningly beautiful, shapely, and graceful.   Her beauty was illuminated with the bright light of her spirit.   She had it all—beauty inside and out—and generously shared it with us all.

MARIE: A TRUE FRIEND

Marie was my friend for over 40 years. She was a friend beyond measure, and for infinity.  My sister from another mother. My sister-friend.  Good-bye, my friend, good-bye.


Norfolk State University Executive Leadership Team

Larry Curtis, Alvin Schexnider, Kevin Appleton, Marie McDemmond, Paul Shelton, Adebisi Oladipupo, Elsie Barnes

Norfolk State University Executive Leadership Team 2004-05

Rest In Peace. Dr. Marie McDemmond was an outstanding person and a great leader who made a lasting impact on many people. I am proud to have served under her leadership, and I enjoyed working with her as Vice President and CFO at Norfolk State University. She was both a mentor and a friend, and she leaves a strong legacy of leadership and accomplishment. We will miss you Marie. Behold: the Green and Gold!!!  

Kevin Appleton, former NSU Vice President for Business and Finance.

 To Alan & Eric,
Your Mom and I were the true meaning of BFFs. Thank God for choosing her to be your Mom. 
She was the  Best of the Best.
Rest in Peace 
Syl




It was a great honor to know you, Marie; even a greater honor sharing with you our two beautiful  grandchildren.
Rest In Peace, knowing that your legacy will last forever. 

Val you will be missed tremendously. Now you are with my father Numa. As a child, when you visited us in NOLA, I remember how much happiness, joy, and smiles you added not only to my life, but to my father, mother, grandparents and siblings. Your energy was magnetic. I always held and will forevermore have a special love for you.  To the McDemmond family, I send my condolences and prayers with much love.
Much love,
Sophia Martinez

Dr. Marie V. McDemmond was the President who hired me as the inaugural Vice President for Research and Technology at Norfolk State. She was the shoulder I climbed to see beyond the horizon and positively  impacted my professional career as she did many others.

She sharpened my leadership skills and I remember two of her sayings: "Don't let the inmates run the asylum. Be in charge" and "If I have to do your work for you, then I don't need you".

I did not have the opportunity to ever meet Dr. McDemmond. As a Spartan Wife and Mom I was proud to share with everyone that she was the First Lady President of Norfolk State University and how she moved the school to new heights. Continued prayers family.

Dr. McDemmond was a stabilizing force while President at Norfolk State University. She empowered employees to lead and think out of the box as it related to re-branding, student success, and fiscal integrity. “I don't believe in fearful leadership. When employees are fearful, they don't take risks; creativity is limited; and attracting the best and brightest is impeded.” Rest well Dr. McDemmond. I'll always treasure your memory and the indelible impact on my life.  LaVoris A. Pace

Dr.  McDemmond is the reason I became involved with NSU 20 years ago.  She was a true visionary and will continue to be missed by all who knew her.   My sincerest condolences to her family and may you all find peace in memories of her.    

Marie was like a family member. We have known each other for over 45 years.  Rest In Peace dearly beloved.  Larry &Jacqueline Curtis 

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/education/former-nsu-president-dr-marie-mcdemmond-passes-away-norfolk-state-university/291-04a06c15-fe0b-4abf-9a5b-0e4b8fcc3002__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!NFw_IKBp8DSnf4YUlYfGEzU6Fz6DamU8-SgFnABjWg555cEE4CQphqnZCPUr-irC1MTxvxDUl7ffgMd3O-a6dmky-K-aFCq6gq6Fwzs$

OBITUARY

Marie Valentine McDemmond

February 4, 1946 – July 27, 2022

Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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