Marlene Gibbs

Marlene Mathilda Gibbs departed this life and received her wings on May 25th, 2022 while surrounded by her loved ones. Marlene was born on November 10, 1961 to Beulah Gibbs and the late Reynold Gibbs in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Her parents migrated to Boston, MA in 1971 to make a better life for their 7 children.

 After moving to America at the age of 10, Marlene attended John Marshall Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School and St. Gregory's High School. After graduating from high school, she attended Boston College for 1 year then later transferred to Wheelock College where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree. She went on to receive her first Master’s degree at Simmons College followed by her second Master’s degree at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. 

Marlene began her teaching career at Boston Public Schools in 1987 and retired in May 2021 after 34 exceptional years. She was a lead teacher, reading recovery specialist in early education, mentor, and took on many other roles throughout her time as an educator. She was recognized for her outstanding performance and accomplishments as a teacher, through numerous awards and honors. Marlene was also instrumental in supporting a new initiative in the Boston Public Schools known as the “Newcomers Assessment Counseling Center,” a system that assesses incoming early childhood students to help determine their English language levels where she recommended various programs to their families in order to improve their performance. She worked hard to make sure every single student that stepped foot inside of her classroom was challenged, supported, nurtured and successful in their learning.   

Marlene embodied the love of God and was heavily involved in Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury, MA. She selflessly dedicated her time and energy to many ministries in the church. She was the coordinator of The Prison and Angel Tree Ministry, chairperson of The Missions Ministry, Co Founder of the American Sign Language Ministry, and part of the Pastor's Aide Ministry (Team 13), Audio Visual Ministry, The Prayer Ministry, Sunday School, and the TBC Zoomers. Her extraordinary leadership skills also allowed her to serve as a mentor and role model to a lot of young women within the TBC community.

When it came to enjoying life, Marlene knew how to let her hair down and have fun! First and foremost, she loved traveling and seeing the world. A few places that she was blessed to be able to visit include: Portugal, Spain, France, Canada, Jamaica, and just last summer the Greek Islands with her son Anthony, a gift he surprised her with in celebration of her retirement. Marlene was a lover of fashion and shopping, spending quality time with her family and friends, dining out (seafood and cheesecake were among her favorites), music, and she especially loved to dance! 

Marlene had one son, her beloved, Anthony Long Jr, whom she was most proud of. When Anthony was born, she devoted her life to being a loving and wonderful mother. She was an excellent listener and always knew the right thing to say, a great cook, she never missed a special date, and was the best travel buddy. Whether it was supporting her son’s artistic talents or encouraging him to pursue a list of extracurricular activities and programs outside of school, she was his constant cheerleader and supporter. 

Marlene Gibbs was a mother, sister, daughter, prayer warrior, educator, social activist, and philanthropist. She was predeceased by her father, Reynold Gibbs, and her sister, Monica Samuel. Marlene is survived by her mother Beulah Gibbs, her son Anthony Long Jr, her sisters: Patricia Hunte, Maureen Goss, Althea Forde, Gillian Gibbs, her brother Reynold Gibbs Jr, and a host of nieces and nephews.

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