On October 5, 1965, in the beautiful island nation of Barbados, Larita Harewood and Cedric Murrell welcomed their beloved daughter, Marian Janetha Reid, into the world.

Marian cherished her Barbadian roots and remained proud of her heritage throughout her life. At a young age, she moved to the United States with her mother and older sister, bringing with her the values of family, faith, and community that would remain central to her life.

Growing up in Boston, Marian formed friendships and connections that would last a lifetime. She attended East Boston High School and participated in the Dennison House community after-school program, where she developed a love of dance, particularly African dance. Even as a young girl, her creativity and generosity were evident. Around the age of ten, she became the neighborhood hair braider on Magnolia Street. Whenever the children prepared for dance performances, they needed their hair braided, and Marian was the one they turned to. Affectionately remembered as a big sister to many, Marian was already showing the caring spirit that would remain with her throughout her life.

After graduating from East Boston High School, Marian continued her education at Salem State College, now Salem State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education. Her pursuit of higher education was a source of pride and an inspiration to those who grew up alongside her.

Her nurturing spirit naturally extended into her professional life. Marian worked in Boston Public Schools as a Kindergarten Paraprofessional, where she encouraged, supported, and positively influenced young people. Her patience, compassion, and genuine concern for others made her a valued presence among the students, families, and colleagues she encountered.

At the center of Marian’s life was her unwavering faith and love for the Lord. She was a woman of prayer who trusted God through life’s joys, challenges, and uncertainties. Her faith was reflected not only in her words but also in the way she lived and served others.

Throughout her life, Marian was a faithful member of several church families, including Holy Tabernacle, Western Baptist Church, and most recently, Church Of Whitestone in Texas. She shared her time and talents through the choir, usher ministry, women’s ministries, and other church activities. Whether offering a prayer, an encouraging word, or a helping hand, Marian found joy in serving the Lord and His people.

Marian’s greatest blessings were her family, especially her daughters, Janetha and Simone, and her beloved grandson, Sekani. Being a mother and grandmother brought her immeasurable happiness. She took great pride in her daughters and delighted in celebrating their accomplishments and milestones.

Her grandson, Sekani, whom she affectionately called her “Pooh Bear,” held an especially precious place in her heart. When Sekani graduated from preschool and received an award for science, she proudly shared the news and encouraged his dream of becoming a builder. She believed wholeheartedly in his potential and trusted that, with God guiding his steps, he could accomplish great things.

Marian treasured the gift of friendship, especially the bonds she shared with women she had known for more than fifty years. From their days at Salem State College through marriages, raising children, building careers, navigating life’s ups and downs, and celebrating retirement, they remained by one another’s side. In July 2026, as they celebrated turning sixty, Marian reflected on their remarkable journey together and described these friendships as a rare gift from God. Grateful for the laughter, love, support, and memories they had shared, she proudly declared, “SSC for Life! Forever friends, forever sisters in love and friendship.”

Marian also knew how to enjoy life! She loved traveling, dancing, crafting, planning celebrations, and creating beautiful things. With her wonderful sense of humor and what she proudly described as being “a little sassy,” Marian brought energy and excitement wherever she went. If there was a party to plan, a trip to take, or something special to create, chances were Marian was already making a list! Her creativity and love of organization also connected her with others through groups such as Women Who Love Planners.

Another of Marian’s most memorable adventures began with a simple invitation to enjoy lobster rolls at a restaurant in Quincy, Massachusetts. That outing inspired the beloved Lobster Ladies, a group Marian founded that blossomed into a cherished sisterhood. Together, the ladies explored restaurants throughout the Boston area in search of the best lobster, sharing stories, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. Their motto, “GO BIG OR GO HOME!”, captured the spirit of their adventures. Affectionately known as the original Lobster Lady, Marian turned a shared love of good food into lasting friendships.

Marian also proudly embraced Christian sisterhood as a member of Delta Psi Rho Sorority, Incorporated. She cherished its fellowship and opportunities to uplift other women. She enthusiastically welcomed new members, celebrated her sorority sisters’ accomplishments, and treasured the bonds they shared.

During the later chapter of her life, Marian made her home in Austin, TX where she continued embracing new experiences and opportunities for fellowship. Whether through her church, sorority, or community activities, she welcomed the chance to meet new people and form genuine connections.

Marian was many things to many people—a devoted mother, proud grandmother, loving sister, faithful servant of God, cherished friend, creative spirit, sorority sister, and the original Lobster Lady. She had a way of making people feel included, supported, celebrated, and loved.

In the days following her passing, many who knew and loved Marian expressed a shared sentiment: the world feels a little less bright without her.

Yet the light Marian brought into this world lives on through her children and grandson, her family, the young people she nurtured, the friendships she treasured, and the communities she helped build. Her legacy is one of unwavering faith, unconditional love, generosity, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Though her earthly journey has ended, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain forever in the hearts of those blessed to know her.

Marian brought people together, and through the love she gave, she will forever keep them connected.

Her light will continue to shine.

She Leaves to Cherish Her Memory

Marian leaves to cherish her loving memory her beloved daughters, Janetha and Simone; her treasured grandson, Sekani; her son-in-law, Nana Kwarteng; her siblings, Bernice Reid Groves, Derek Reid, Terry Marshall, Vincent Harewood, Charles Mayers, and Cedric Mayers; her special sister, Tracy Romain; her sisters-in-law, Sherry Ann Mayers and Sandra Mayers; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, lifelong friends, church families, sorority sisters, and all those whose lives were made brighter by her presence.

She was preceded in death by her father, Cedric Murrell.