Marjorie Pye

Today, we gather to honor the remarkable life of Marjorie B. Pye, 96, of Roanoke, Virginia. Born on November 18th, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Lucille and Walter Brown.

Marjorie peacefully departed this life at Mother Angeline McCroy Nursing Home in Columbus, Ohio, on July 24th, 2025, to be with her heavenly Father.

Majorie is preceded in death by her Beloved Husband, Franklin Pye; Beloved Children Victor Nellum, Bobby Nellum, James Nellum, Clifford Cotton, and Gwendolyn A. Nellum; grandchildren Reggie Nellum, Richard Nellum, and Freddy Wooden III.; Great Great Granddaughter Gianna Finch; brothers James, Walter, and Isaiah Brown.

Marjorie leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory. Among them are her devoted beautiful children, Gloria Cotton, Alma Burton, Howard Nellum, Jerry Nellum, and Patricia Carter; Grandchildren Victor Nellum Jr. Tamika Nellum, Nadine Nellum, Annette Nellum, Jerome Nellum, Jessica (Wacka) Adams, Bridgette (Chase) Bias, Brandy Cotton, Shawn (Esmeralda) Edmond, Dontae Nellum, Kimberly Nellum, Jacki Nellum, Tamara Nellum, Angela Nellum and, Tamarie Nellum; 35 great-grandchildren and 6 great great-grandchildren,; 5 nieces and 1 nephew,; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Born in 1928, Marjorie came of age during some of the most challenging times in American history. Those early years shaped a woman of unmatched strength, wisdom, and resilience. She was a proud mother of nine children, and her life’s purpose was rooted in love, family, and unwavering care.

Marjorie relocated to Columbus, Ohio, in 1978. Throughout her life, Marjorie devoted herself to the service of others, working in health care as a Nursing Assistant and caregiver, fields that perfectly reflected her nurturing spirit and tireless work ethic. She had a natural gift for healing, not only through her hands but through her words, presence, and quiet strength. Whether she cared for patients or comforted her children and family, she would care for anyone no matter what and did so with grace, dignity, and fierce devotion.

Everyone knew she didn’t play when it came to her children; she loved hard, protected fiercely, and made sure they knew the value of respect, perseverance, and self-worth. Her no-nonsense approach was matched only by the warmth and love she poured into her family and those she cared for throughout her life.

Intelligent, proud, and full of heart, Marjorie leaves behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and unshakable love. Her spirit lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and all those who were blessed to know her.

In her later years, when she could no longer care for herself, that same love and devotion were returned to her, most notably by her daughter, Gloria Cotton, who served as her mother’s primary caregiver for the last 24 years of her life. Gloria gave of herself selflessly, day in and day out, providing her mother with the care, comfort, dignity, and love she so richly deserved. While all her children contributed in various ways of taking care of their Mother, Gloria’s dedication stood as a powerful act of love, and for that, the family is forever grateful.

She will be missed beyond words, but her memory will remain a guiding light for generations to come.

Beyond her professional achievements, Marjorie was a beacon of light in her community. She was an active and cherished member of her church, Mt. Period Baptist Church, where she joined the congregation in February of 2010, under the late J. Matthew Carter, Sr., until her health no longer permitted. She participated in various ministries and generously volunteered her time to countless causes. Her infectious laughter, insightful advice, and unwavering compassion touched the lives of everyone she encountered.

As a mother of 9, grandmother of 15, great-grandmother of 35, and great-great-great-grandmother of 6, Marjorie was the foundation and the heart and soul of her family…5 generations. She loved bringing her family together through the good and bad times. Her kitchen was the gathering place for Sunday dinners, holiday celebrations, and impromptu family meetings. Her homemade liver, onions, and gravy, fried potatoes, pinto beans, cabbage, and cornbread were legendary, light, and she took de in to teach different recipes to each new generation. Marjorie had a knack for remembering every birthday, anniversary, and important dates in her children's and grandchildren's lives, never failing to send a card or make a call. She loved to travel, not by plane or car, but by only the big dog…The Greyhound Bus, and she loved bringing her grandchildren along with her, traveling to various states.

Marjorie's legacy of love, wisdom, and service will continue to inspire and uplift all who had the privilege of knowing her. She has truly gone home to be with the Lord, and now she’s reunited with her beautiful children and family. We can only imagine the joy of your reunion, and we know you all are watching over us, laughing together, and celebrating together.

Marjorie will be forever missed by those touched by her warm smile, laughter, spirit, teachings, and advice. She was the ultimate example of a life well-lived.