Remembering the life of Marjorie M. Countrymon

Marjorie Mae Countrymon was born on September 9, 1953, to the late Robert L. Countryman and Josephine Hollis in Preston, Georgia. Marjorie was educated at Ida S. Lowery School in Preston until she moved to Miami, Florida, where she graduated from Miami-Dade High School. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Magnolia Bay Baptist Church in Preston, Georgia.

Marjorie truly embodied the phrase "small, but mighty." Though she stood just five feet tall, she had a commanding presence and was never one to be overlooked. She enjoyed fashion and was known for meticulously dressing herself for special occasions. Wherever she went, Marjorie carried herself with confidence, dignity, and unmistakable style.

Born with a natural curiosity, Marjorie embraced every opportunity to experience life to its fullest. Never one to shy away from a new adventure, she left rural Georgia and moved to Miami, Florida, with her older sister, Lillian R. Wiley, who preceded her in death. After graduating from high school, Marjorie began her next adventure when her Aunt Virginia Hollis invited her to move to Boston, Massachusetts. It was there that she built her career, raised her family, and created the life that would define the remainder of her years.

Shortly after moving to Boston, Marjorie welcomed her first child, Monique Esteria Countrymon, followed by her son, George Tyrone Countrymon. While raising her two oldest children, she met the love of her life, Robert Lee Smith, with whom she shared the rest of her life until his passing in June 2024. Together, Marjorie and Robert welcomed sons Terrance Jamal Smith and Jason Todd Smith. They also lovingly raised their granddaughter, Cynnae Monique Countrymon, as their own after her mother, Monique, passed away during childbirth.

Marjorie exuded grace and confidence unlike anyone else. She was truly a rose that grew from the concrete. Much like a rose, she possessed many delicate layers that were carefully protected by the occasional thorns formed through life's tests and trials. Marjorie had a heart for people, especially children, and never forgot what it was like to be a young single mother. Once she found stability, she never hesitated to extend a helping hand to other young women in need. Her compassion, generosity, and willingness to serve others became defining characteristics of her life.

Throughout her life, Marjorie believed in being knowledgeable about where you were—both physically and socially. She often reminded those around her that you should always know where you were going and know how to carry yourself once you arrived. She moved comfortably between many different worlds, equally at home working at Woolworth's in Roxbury, serving in food services throughout Boston Public Schools, or working in culinary services at the renowned Bank of Boston. No matter where she was, Marjorie earned the respect of those around her through her work ethic, resilience, and authenticity.

Marjorie was charismatic and had a remarkable ability to build meaningful relationships with people from every walk of life. Her children were continually amazed by the number of people whose lives she touched and by the many different ways she came to know them. Whether through work, family, church, or everyday encounters, Marjorie had a gift for making lasting connections that left a lasting impression.

Marjorie lived her final days with the same spirit that defined her entire life—full of life, quick to share her opinions, and fearless in the face of uncertainty. She had made her peace with God and was not afraid to leave this earthly life. Although she rarely spoke publicly about her faith, she trusted God completely and faithfully prayed for the strength, protection, and well-being of her children and grandchildren until the Lord called her home. Her unwavering love, enduring strength, and quiet faith will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know and love her.

Prior to her promotion to heaven, Majorie was also preceded in death by both her parents Robert and Josephine, brothers Walter Wiley, Walter James, Henry Countryman, sisters Annie L. Majors and Lillia Wiley  her daughter Monique Esteria Countrymon, and her life long partner of over 40 years Robert L. Smith (father of Terrance & Jason).  Majorie leaves to cherish her memory her children, George T. Countrymon (Trina), Terrance J. Smith , Jason T. Smith and Cynae Countrymon (all of Boston, MA); grandchildren, George T Moals-Ruffin, Trina P. Morals-Ruffin, Anthony James, Taliyah E. Countryman, Tyrone J. Countryman, Evan J. Smith & Khylin J. Smith; great grandchildren Leroyal Hairston, Jr. & George T. Downs Moals-Ruffin; sisters Juanita J. Protho (Richland, GA) and Learda Hollis (Hyde Park, MA), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Marjorie will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends.