God shall be my hope – my stay, my guide and lantern to my feet.

Frances Ann Marvel of Millington, Maryland passed away on April 22, 2024.

Ann was born on August 3, 1936 in Smyrna, Delaware.

Shortly after Ann's birth God sent Helen Hart Breeding into her life. Beginning in Ann's infancy, to adolescent and finally into her young adult years, the Harts became Ann's "true family". At 16 years old, Ann helped with caring for Helen's father, earning $15 a week and eventually lived with Helen and her loving family.

Ann often said "God brought Helen and me together to be sisters". They attended the same schools in Clayton and Smyrna, Delaware. Ann and Helen shared a lifelong treasured friendship. Ann also lived her early years under the guardianship and safety of her Aunt Mabel Davis, with whom she remained in contact with into her adult years. Ann's strong spiritual strength helped her heal from the memories of how she suffered as a young child.

She met Roy Marvel in 1954. On their first date Roy took her dancing to a barn outside Sudlersville that was turned into a popular place of music and dancing. They married on September 9, 1955. She was a strong, loving, devoted wife to Roy. They had 3 daughters and 2 sons. She was a loving, endearing, and strong mother to her children. Ann was always attentive to her children's needs. Her words, actions, and emotions proved the beautiful nature of her love throughout the stages of her children's lives.

In 1953 Ann became a skilled seamstress at Leed's Travel Wear in Smyrna, Delaware sewing suitcases. This job would later lead her to become a self-employed, professional furniture upholsterer for 44 years. She never advertised; yet her name and excellent workmanship became widely known along the Eastern Shore. This hard, time-consuming work was waiting for her at home after her full-time jobs. Her last piece of furniture was upholstered in 2016.

Ann's other jobs included being a cook at Howard Johnson's Restaurant that was once located in Millington. She worked in a school cafeteria in the Queen Anne's School System. Her last job was as a proficient chef at Heron Point in Chestertown; responsible for menu development, plating design and ensuring the quality of the presentation of the meals.

She was also an excellent skilled seamstress, sewing her own clothing, children's clothes, house drapes, and even horse blankets (for Roy's horses). She was known to keep a beautiful home with treasured family belongings. She loved cooking for her family at birthday parties and year around holidays.

Ann was a member of Homemaker's of Millington (with her life-long best friends Jeanne Davis and Dot Chance) and was also a member of the Methodist Church in Millington. Jeanne, Dot and Ann were famous for their Christmas Cookie baking day! This threesome loved and enjoyed each other for over 40 years.

Later in life, Ann started to go on trips with family and friends. A favorite trip was to Japan with Jeanne Davis. Ann had a love of Lighthouses, climbed the steps of many lighthouses on the Eastern Shoreline and stayed in an actual lighthouse once. Ann also loved the Eastern Shore beaches; known for getting herself soaked just by putting one hand down along the water's edge. Fun was guaranteed with her around!

Ann enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's visits so much. She often would pull the young ones along the yard in her red Radio Flyer wagon. She always attended their birthday parties, school functions and sport events. Later in life, she loved playing hide-n-seek with Cassidy and Bennett. Ann enjoyed reading, biking and walks, putting puzzles together and especially being outside. Anyone visiting was fed regardless if they were hungry or not. Her spirits were lifted when "her children" (everyone) visited.

Roy passed away on January 24, 2019. Ann is survived by five children, seven grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. Children: Roylene Conley, Karen Powell (Rich), Kay Wiltbank (Larry), John Marvel and Charles Marvel. Grandchildren: Nicole Alexander (Troy), Nina Powell (Ginny), Evan Rhodes (Desiray), Marc Rhodes (Amanda), William Conley, Lindsay O'Hanlon (Drew) and Caleb Marvel. Great-Grandchildren: Cassidy Alexander, Bennett Dulin, Steel Rhodes, Killian O'Hanlon and Delaney O'Hanlon.

Private viewing services were held on April 25, 2024 and attended by her family and special loved ones at Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech in Galena, Maryland with Pastor Steve Jackson of Holden's Chapel officiating. Graveside services were private.