Rita Marlene Justice

The oldest of three siblings, Marlene was born in Pinson, Alabama on January 26, 1951, to J.O. and Juanita Marona. She was preceded in death by her father, J.O. Marona; husband, David Justice; and sister-in-law, Debbie Justice. Marlene is survived by her mother, Juanita Marona; loving daughter, Deidre Willie, and her husband, Lou; loving son, Philip Justice, and his wife Melissa; and precious grandchildren, Elizabeth and James Nail, Bella and Charlotte Willie, and Tristan, Davion, and Ilyana Justice. Marlene also leaves behind her brother, Jim Marona, and his wife, Vicki; Brother Keith Marona, and his wife, Pattie; brother-in-law, Tommy Justice, and his wife Liz; brother-in-law, Gary Davenport; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Marlene was a graduate of Mortimer Jordan High School in Pinson, Alabama, before attending Auburn University for her undergraduate degree in education. She later earned her master’s degree in accounting from Troy University. Marlene taught business at John Patterson Technical College for 25 years before retirement.

Primarily, Marlene was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, always quick to brag about her family. She was a member of First Baptist Church Montgomery and the Watkins Sunday School Class. Marlene loved to travel, whether to the beach or around the world with her family or her beloved travel buddies, and she enjoyed painting the places she visited. She loved to read, was a skilled interior decorator, enjoyed playing cards with friends, and relished meeting friends and family out for shopping and lunch dates. She loved her ragdoll cat, Blu. Marlene had an infectious laugh and will be missed greatly by many.

A visitation for Marlene will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, and 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church Montgomery located at 305 S. Perry Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, followed by a celebration of life church service at 11:00 AM.