Marlene Byers

Marlene (May) Byers went to be with the Lord the evening of Wednesday May 25, 2016 after suffering for years with heart-related issues and other illnesses. Her husband Ken of 51 years tended to Marlene in hospitals and nursing homes every day for the past 2 months. In the remaining hours of her life, Marlene was surrounded by Ken, her daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Bryan, and several caring hospital staff members. Marlene was born in Pittsburgh, PA and will be remembered as the Brentwood High School newspaper editor and tallest girl in the class. After high school, she attended Robert Morris Business School then worked as administrative assistant for 12 years for multiple nuclear and electrical engineers, managers, and presidents. She and her husband Ken were married in 1965, and lived in Wheaton, IL for 7 years, followed by Richmond, VA where she gave birth to Melissa and became a stay-at-home mom. Several years later, the family moved to Great Falls, VA, then to Southern California for 2 years for Marlene to seek alternative medicine options for her health issues. Marlene and family returned to Herndon, VA in 1990, where she spent the remainder of her life. Marlene enjoyed serving others with her time and talents. She studied nutrition and alternative medicine unofficially for 25 years, led a tristate support group for severely allergic and chemically sensitive people, and served as a life coach for single women. Other favorite activities included touring historical sites and restored homes, landscaping, cooking, vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC, studying the Bible, and leading several Bible study groups and children’s Sunday School classes. Marlene is survived by her husband Kenneth Byers, daughter and spouse Melissa and Bryan Steward, and sister Jeanine May. She was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey and Joseph May. Memorial Service for Marlene Byers Saturday June 4 at 11:00 am McLean Bible Church (MBC), Smith Center Entrance 2B 8925 Leesburg Pike Vienna, VA 22182 In memory of Marlene, flowers are welcomed for the memorial service (please use the exact MBC address above, flowers accepted Friday evening, or prior to the service Saturday). Or, you may make a donation in honor of Marlene Byers to one of her favorite charities: ASPCA: Marlene’s heart broke for any abused or neglected animal. When she heard about the recent case of thousands of dogs dying from treats made in China and sold by Petco, she contacted several organizations to ensure these items were removed from shelves. Donations may be made in honor of Marlene at https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial. Associated e-card may be emailed to [email protected]. National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI): Marlene prayed regularly for NFI’s growth and financial stability. Whenever she saw Melissa, she wanted to know how things were going with NFI. It was such an encouragement for Melissa to know that her mother was covering her organization in prayer, and trusting the Lord to provide for its needs. Learn more about NFI at www.fatherhood.org. Checks may be mailed in honor of Marlene to (please make note in Memo line): National Fatherhood Initiative 20410 Milestone Center Drive, Suite 600 Germantown, MD 20874