Marcia Salmons Keaton

Marcia Salmons Keaton, of Fuquay-Varina, NC, went home to be with her Father in heaven on Wednesday March 30th, 2011. Born on January 8th, 1961 in Augusta, Georgia, Marcia lived out the early years of her life in Georgia and Michigan before landing in Virginia Beach—a place she dearly loved.

Marcia’s life was marked by her love for life, for her family, and for her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a courageous soul and a vibrant person. She truly lived each day as if it was a gift, filling every moment with plans, deeds, and thoughts of those she loved. She was beautiful and uncompromising, but her beauty was an afterthought since she focused her efforts on others. She believed strongly in respect and was truly a champion for the nameless, lost, and needy.

Her flame burned brightly, warming all who came in contact with her. Her beautiful family became extended by those who adopted her and whom she adopted. She loved this family fiercely, celebrating every milestone with the zeal that her early life had lacked. She became an inspiration simply by being herself. She decided to fly jets and in her favorite pilot job, she was truly an angel of mercy, flying transplant organs to hopeful families. She drove motorcycles and rode horses. She had a heart for abused and neglected children, evidenced by the many hours she spent working with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). She also taught young children in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Marcia is survived by her husband, Davide Keaton, her daughters, Megan Salmons and Stephanie Rittler and husband Matt, and their father David Salmons, as well as her sisters, Connie Weaver and Micki Haubold. She is missed and her memory will be long cherished by all who knew and loved her.

The family will be receiving visitors between 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Smith & Williams Funeral Home Kempsville Chapel, Virginia Beach, VA.

A Celebration of Marcia’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at Spring Branch Community Church followed by a reception at Waterman’s at the oceanfront.

Flowers may be sent to Smith & Williams Funeral Home. Donations in honor of Marcia may be made to CASA at www.casaforchildren.org. In addition, the Kitty Hawk Chapter of 99’s (non-profit women pilot organization) has established a scholarship fund in her honor. If interested in donating to this fund, please contact Karen Baskin at [email protected].

You may pay your condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com

Arrangements under the direction of Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville, Virginia Beach, VA.