Marjorie Louise Freese Steinke

Marjorie Freese Steinke, of Forest VA, transitioned into the arms of her Lord on Sunday, September 1,2024 at the age of 84. She was the wife of the late Richard Raymond Steinke for 58 years.

She was born on November 5,1939 in Brooklyn, NY to the late John Edward and Eleanor Magill Freese. She was raised in Lynchburg VA. Marjorie graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1958. She was active in many clubs and the school newspaper.

While attending Longwood College she met her sweetheart, on a blind date. She and Richard were married in June of 1962, right after graduation. The Army moved them from CA to NC to KY, having 2 kids along the way. They settled in Lynchburg Va and Marjorie eventually began her teaching career.

She taught elementary school for Bedford County and Lynchburg City. Wanting to further her own education she pursued and received a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Virginia. Her love of education and teaching extended into tutoring students outside of the classroom and once they were retired, Marjorie and Richard moved to the mission field. They were in China and Japan teaching E.S.L. (English as a second language) Marjorie also taught a class the Liberty University on how to teach E.S.L. If you knew our mom, you knew she loved Noah’s Ark and used that story and the animals to teach the alphabet to E.S.L. students of all ages.

Marjorie was given the gift of Hospitality. You never left her house hungry, or without carrying a plate of food or treats. She even baked bread to welcome new neighbors to the Jefferson Villas community. She served with many organizations over the years- D.A.R., Christian Women’s Club, Bible Study Fellowship, JV Women’s Bible Study, Boonsboro PTA, Boy Scout mom, the list can go on and on!

Marjorie is survived by a daughter Susanne Farish (David) of Forest Va and a son Keith Steinke (Connie) of Anchorage, AK; eight grandchildren Shawn Farish (Nicole) and Rebecca Farish (Nick Turcotte) of Lynchburg Va; Celeste Earley, Corinne Earley-Steinke (George), Fielding Steinke, Claudia Earley-Steinke, Scarlett Earley-Steinke and Octavia Earley-Steinke all of Anchorage , AK; five great-grandchildren Bella, Juliana, Oliver, Harper and Riley all of Lynchburg, Va; a brother John Freese Jr (Susan)of Virginia Beach, Va; a very special friend and care giver Stacey Gallier (Darrel) of Madison Heights, Va and numerous other family.

A Celebration of Marjorie’s life will be held at the Pate Chapel at Thomas Road Baptist Church on Friday September 13th, 2024 at 1:30pm. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior, 12:30-1:30pm, at the chapel. Interment will be at Fort Hill Memorial Park directly after the service.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity or local food pantry.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.