Marcia E. Sibley

Baltimore, MD - Marcia Elma Sibley (nee Wilcox) died January 24, 1913 at the age of 93. A resident of Oak Crest Village Retirement Community in Baltimore County and long time Towson resident, she was born July 28, 1919, in Baltimore City to Maurice E. and M. Esther Wilcox and was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She grew up in the Mayfield community of Baltimore City and graduated from Eastern High School. She married Jonathan O. (Jack) Sibley in 1939.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jack in 1982, a sister M. Esther (Peb) Foster, brothers, Maurice E. (Duke) Wilcox, Jr. and P. Joseph Wilcox, and a beloved grand-daughter, Danielle Burgoon of Kent Island, MD.

She is survived by a son, Robert N. Sibley of Timonium and his wife Donna, and a daughter, Marcia S. Burgoon, of Trappe, MD and her husband, Rick. She also is survived by five granddaughters, Dorian Sibley Ewell of Riderwood; Amy Sibley Black and her husband, Jamie of Riderwood, Amanda Sibley of Perry Hall; Sherrie Burgoon Schuman and her husband, Heath of Trappe, and Michelle Burgoon Sommers and her husband, Jay of Fenwick, DE; eight great-grandchildren; a very dear niece, Bonnie Wilcox Bauer of Glen Arm; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Mrs. Sibley was a committed Christian and Bible student and dedicated her entire life to sharing her faith with others. She was a devoted member of both University Baptist Church in Baltimore City and Towson United Methodist Church in Towson. At UBC she was Principal of Vacation Bible School for many years. She always said she could teach a child more about Jesus Christ in one week of VBS than a “year of Sundays.” She also taught a Sunday School class for women there for many years and held a monthly bible study for women in her home. She started a “Children’s Church” that met during the weekly worship service, complete with a children’s choir, miniature organ, and youth pastor. Other ministries included participation in a women’s prison ministry, a devotional program at the Canton Mission in Baltimore City and volunteering as an interim pastor of a church whose pastor was dealing with health issues. For 13 years, she conducted weekly devotionals for patients at the Keswick Home in Baltimore City. She and her family frequently welcomed children and infants into their home when their families were facing personal crises. One of her most enjoyable ministries was serving as Wedding Coordinator at TUMC for 12 years. She assisted with hundreds of weddings and entertained friends and family with stories of memorable wedding experiences.

Known to her family as “Gommie,” she shared her favorite personal sayings, affectionately known as “Gommie-isms.” One of her favorites came from the Bible, “To whom much is given, much is required.” She lived this creed her entire life and passed this legacy on to her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Sibley was active in the community, serving for many years on the Board of Directors of the Thornleigh Improvement Association and for 3 years as President.

An accomplished seamstress, she clothed herself and family, including prom dresses for her six grand-daughters, and assisted many people with alterations. For many years she gave presentations to area Women’s Clubs on “Making Christmas Merry” complete with a wide variety of hand-made holiday decorations. She also maintained a large collection of antique dolls and gave lecture presentations to numerous schools and civic groups. In addition, her talents extended to a hobby of hand painted ceramics, gifting many beautiful works to family and friends. Marcia was an avid Bridge enthusiast and played in several lifelong groups, always seeking out a foursome.

A Service of Celebration and reception will be held at Oak Crest Village Chapel (8800 Walther Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21234), on February 12th beginning at 11:00 am. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to University Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD, or Towson United Methodist Church, Towson, MD.