Marvin Kermit Wortham's Obituary
Marvin Kermit Wortham was born on October 6, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan to Norma J. Wortham and Willie T. Fergerson. His mother Norma Wortham preceded him in death.
He was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Captain of the safety patrol. He played football for the Saint Cecilia Beacons and Westside Cubs, Police Athletic League and Baseball at the Boys and Girls Club in Detroit, Michigan. Marvin accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized while attending Vacation Bible School at True Faith Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan in the 1970's.
He played football, ran track, was in the Honor Society, Band, Nomads Club and elected as class Sergeant-At-Arms at Northern High School in Detroit, Michigan, where he graduated in 1982. During his senior year he worked at a Detroit Police mini-station. After graduation Marvin received a scholarship in Music at Grambling State University, which he later elected to stay home with his mother and worked for his father at his father's automotive repair shop.
In January 1983 he joined the United States Marine Corps, and in June 1984 he married his high school sweetheart, Jacqueline Simpson. The Lord later blessed them with two beautiful daughters: Keiko and Kiera. Marvin played basketball and was a member of the Captain's and Admiral's Cup Championship team while stationed with Marine Barracks in Subic Bay, Phillipines. While traveling throughout the United States and overseas in numerous jobs and special duty assignments in the Marine Corps for 21 years, 5 months, he retired in June 2004 at Presidential Helicopter Squadron, Marine One (HMX-1) in Quantico, Virginia. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Marvin worked in the Pentagon as a contractor with SAIC for the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Congressional Activities Office. After a few years he was offered the opportunity to work in his current position as a goverment employee. While working as a government employee he communicated with and traveled to different departments and agencies throughout the Nation Capitol Region, intelligence community, as well as the House, Senate, Nation's Capitol Building and White House.
Marvin's number one passion was living for and serving the Lord. One of his favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thine ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. The Lord used him to serve as a Deacon, Choir Director, Youth Director, Teen Assistant, Sunday School teacher, Usher, Sound room operator, Vacation Bible School Leader, AWANA Club leader, Virginia AWANA Ministry Regional Team Leader, Game Director, Patch the Pirate Club Assistant and Song Leader. He wanted to share the Gospel by example in walking the walk from talking the talk. He was dogmatic about Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they will see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Marvin leaves to cherish his loving memory: his wife, Jacqueline Wortham; father, Willie Fergerson; daughters: Keiko Kyer (Jeffrey), Kiera Peterson (Eric); four sisters, Marcia Wortham, Pamela Willis, Robin Pearson (Cary), Tracy Davis (Curtis); grandchildren: Jadyn Kyer (#1), Jordan Kyer (Bubba), Janna Kyer (Butterfly), Maya Peterson, Clara Peterson, Selah Peterson, and Obadiah Peterson (Obi) whom he played with, spoiled and talked about every moment he could; Mother-in-law, Ethel Mae Simpson; one sister-in-law, Kenja Johnson; two brothers-in-law, Sylvester Johnson, Michael Simpson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Marvin departed this life and went home to be with His Lord and Savior on May 7, 2024.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2024 at Crossroads Baptist Church, 4236 Lee Hill School Drive. The family will receive friends one hour prior. Burial will follow the service in Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to Subic Bay Children's Home at https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4013058
Psalm 112
Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
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