Marjorie O’Neal Blackerby Sargent, 93, died in the early morning of December 25, 2024, in the home of her daughter, Tricia, in Harrisburg, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her husband Milton Vernon Sargent and her brother Thomas O’Neal Blackerby.
Marjorie leaves her daughters, Tricia Sargent Scribner (Randy) and Lynna Rea Sargent Winkler (Todd); her grandchildren, Neli Scribner, Sara (Andrew) Kell, and Emily (Aaron) Peters, Jessica (Justin) McDaniel, Ashleigh (Jeremy) Moreno, and Ben (Emily) Winkler; and her great-grandchildren Noah, May, Nathan, and Hadassa Scribner; Brayden, Grayson, Drew, and Will Kell; Kiana and Shacerra Peters; Hunter and Ally Moreno; and Caroline Winkler. She also leaves her precious nieces and nephews, as well as dear friends in her Central Baptist Church family, and in Open Door Fellowship, both in Springhill, Louisiana, as well as friends in churches where she served alongside her pastor husband, Milton, over the years.
Marjorie was born September 9, 1931, in Uniontown, Alabama, to the late Eurea and Thomas O’Neal Blackerby II. In her early years, Marjorie grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where her family lived for an extended time with her Granny. Marjorie loved dance as a child, and playing with her brother Tommy, who always got into trouble, one way or another. She graduated from Lanier High School.
As an adult, she was an Air Force wife for 20 years and the family lived in numerous locations throughout her husband’s career in the service. She worked in a bank for many years, as well as working as a church secretary, and after her husband retired from the Air Force she served as a pastor’s wife where she ministered as a worship music leader, a Bible teacher to children, youth, and adults, and as a director of women’s ministries. She graduated from Louisiana College with a business degree when she was in her 50s.
After her husband Milton died in 2011, Marjorie lived in her home in Springhill, Louisiana, for many years with her sweet puppy, Charlie Mac. Her daughter, Lynna Rea, and her husband Todd lived nearby and they enjoyed doing life together. She was also actively involved in Central Baptist church for many years.
When her health declined, Marjorie was cared for by more than 25 wonderful caregivers in Springhill, Louisiana, and then in Harrisburg, North Carolina. She was especially blessed to have Ethel Bradford and Robyn Axce, both of whom became right hands and encouragers to daughters Lynna Rea and Tricia, not only providing superb care but also coordinating caregiver teams. Caregivers not only ministered to Marjorie, but she also ministered to them, encouraging them and sharing Jesus’ love. Some caregivers even accompanied her to church, and one caregiver trusted Jesus as Savior after reading a devotional with Marjorie and realizing her need for Jesus.
Marjorie’s greatest passion was Jesus Christ. She trusted him as Savior as a child and rededicated her life to Him in early adulthood, along with Milton. Throughout her life, she was known for her radiant smile, her testimony of the Lord’s goodness to her and her family, and a desire for seeing every person she met trust in Christ as Savior. One of her last prayers was, “Lord, you are so, so good. I pray that I will be faithful to you until the last day of my life.” And she was.
Visitation will be held at Central Baptist Church in Springhill, Louisiana, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with public visitation from 10-11 a.m., followed by a worship memorial service from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, with Reverend Terry Hughes and Reverend Tim Everett presiding. Interment will follow the service at Bethsaida Cemetery in Ida, Louisiana.
Both Harrisburg Funeral and Cremation in Harrisburg, North Carolina, and Bailey Funeral Home in Springhill, Louisiana, have served the Sargent family.
Marjorie faithfully supported mission ministries focused on serving and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her favorite was City on a Hill (COAH) Brighton, Massachusetts, a thriving mission church started by missionaries Aaron and Emily Peters, Marjorie’s granddaughter and her husband. You may donate a gift in memory of Marjorie Sargent online at https://coahbrighton.churchcenter.com/giving. On the drop-down menu, click “Aaron Peters.” Or send a check to City on a Hill-Brighton, 133 Walnut St. Brookline, MA 02445 designated for Aaron Peters. For assistance, email Director of Operations at emily@coahchurch.org.
Saturday, January 4, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Central Baptist Church
Saturday, January 4, 2025
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Central Baptist Church
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Bethsaida Cemetery
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