Levenia Wanita Marsaw

Levenia Marsaw Obituary Levenia Wanita Marsaw was born October 14, 1930, in Fort Pierce, Florida. This beautiful baby girl was the daughter of Samuel and Theola McCoy. Having four sisters and one brother, Levenia was the fifth of six children born in their union. The family moved to Sumter, South Carolina when Levenia was four years old. She attended grade school and graduated high school in Sumter. During her lifetime, Levenia experienced opposition and victories that many Blacks did during the Civil Rights Movement, but she was focused and determined. Understanding the importance of furthering her education, in 1948 Levenia traveled to Denmark, South Carolina to enroll in Voorhees School and Junior College (renamed in 1947), a private HBC founded in 1897 as Denmark Industrial School. Majoring in Secretarial Science, she excelled and successfully completed the program graduating with an associate degree in 1950. Eagar to explore her career options, at 20 years old, Levenia interviewed and landed a job with the Veterans Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. She was on her way! Taking her love for life, music and playing the piano with her! Levenia was a bright ambitious young lady in a new city, making new friends. Having a conversation one day, a co-worker said, “I know a guy that plays the piano, loves music, and goes to Kent State. He works here.” Having these common attributes, Levenia was introduced to Bennie Marsaw. They began dating and were married on July 9, 1954. The couple was blessed with three wonderful daughters, Andel, Caroline and Bernadine. Levenia loved being a wife and mom. After establishing their family, Levenia decided that it was time to advance and change career paths. She and Bennie always believed that the correct education would yield the best opportunities for their family. Being a courageous and progressive individual, Levenia chose to pursue a career in nursing. In the late 1960s, Levenia earned the necessary credentials to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was rehired by the V.A. Hospital and retired after 22 years of service. Throughout her life, Levenia enjoyed traveling with her husband and daughters. One of her favorite places was Fox Lake Resort located in Indiana. Fox Lake was the first and only few resorts established to cater to African American Families in the Midwest. Levenia was also active in several groups such as the Kappa Silhouettes - wives of the Kappa Fraternity Members and the Central State University Mom’s Club. In her home community, the Harvard Community Center was one of her favorite places to go. Offering a wide variety of fun and enriching activities, including playing “Bridge” which she loved. Levenia built long-lasting memorable relationships there with friends and neighbors for 25 years. For over 50 years, Levenia was an active member of Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland. She loved and accepted Christ. Receiving His promises, she understood that He had a plan for her life. Levenia walked by faith, by believing God and trusting Him with her life and the wellbeing of her family. As Levenia gracefully continued in life, at the age of 90, she became a member of a special group of individuals called “nonagrian” – people aged 90–99 years old. She was an amazing woman! Highly valued, authentic, resilient, kind, compassionate, confident, inspiring, courageous, truthful, and dedicated. She was a blessing to her family, friends, and communities. To each relationship she gave her endless love. We love her dearly and her memory will live on in our hearts forever. Preceding her in death are her husband Bennie, parents Samuel and Theola, three sisters Irene, Birdie, and Mildred and her brother Samuel. Levenia leaves to cherish her memory: daughters Andel Marsaw-Andrews, Caroline Hogans (Steve -deceased), and Bernadine Marsaw; one sister - Leola McCoy; grandchildren - Devin Marsaw, Nathan Yisrael, Steve Hogans Jr., George Andrews Jr. (Halli), Marcus Hogans and Patrick Turk; great grandchildren - Haidyn Andrews, Ezra Yisrael and Harlee Andrews and a host of family and frien To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Levenia Wanita Marsaw, please visit our floral store. Read More

Levenia Wanita Marsaw

October 14, 1930 - March 21, 2023