On October 5, 1937, in the quaint settlement of Snug Corner, Acklins Island, Eckley and Unetha
Hanna welcomed a beautiful baby girl. They named her Marian Leotha Hanna and fondly referred to
her as Marie or simply “Re”. However, the recording person at that time at other ideas and recorded
her name as Marian rather than the name given to her by her parents.
Marie was taught early on to fear, love and serve the Lord; respect everyone especially her elders and
to be self sufficient. She attended The All Age School in Snug Corner. At a young age she was taught
by her mother and older sister, Calm, or Titty as the younger siblings called her, the fundamentals of
housekeeping. This skill was instrumental in her life. Her mother was a seamstress and she taught
Marie how to sew. Marie became a masterful seamstress.
Marie attended The Church of God of Prophecy in Snug Corner. She was very active in her church
and looked forward to working in any capacity in the service of God.
In 1961 Marie made the decision to immigrate to New Providence. The skills she acquired in
housekeeping and dressmaking served her well as she utilized those skills to make a living. She
spent countless nights hovered over her sewing machine after working her day job of housekeeping.
Her keen eye for color, style, consistency and commitment enabled her acquire a steady stream of
customers.
In New Providence Marie attended a few branches of The Church
of God of Prophecy before settling at the location on Soldier Road,
Forward in Faith Ministries. In the locations of Meadow Street,
Gambier, Augusta Street and Soldier, one thing was abundantly
clear to all, Marie was serious about her service to God and the
choir. She held several positions in her church including Sunday
School teacher, Women’s Ministry and Choir Director. Being a
strong alto herself, Marie loved singing and teaching others.
The heritage of Marie’s womb is rich. Although she never wed, she
was blessed with four children. She adored her children and made
them her life’s focus, next to God. She taught her children to fear
God and she held them accountable.
In 2017 Marie suffered health challenges that lead to the loss of
her left kidney. During this time, Marie leaned into her faith in
God trusting his will for her life. God still had work for her to do
and lives for her to touch. She emerged from surgery ready for her
next kingdom assignment.
In early May 2024, it became noticeable to Marie’s family that she wasn’t well. They were worried. She
was unfazed. She told her children that her time had come. She said goodbye to everyone in her own
special way. She sang the hymn, “Precious Jesus Hold My Hand”, repeatedly. She prayed and told
her family how much she loved them. On May 14, 2024 Marie was hospitalized at Princess Margaret
Hospital. She underwent a battery of tests. Marie remained strong in her conviction that this was her
time and she was waiting on God. On Sunday May 26, 2024 at 3:32 p.m Marie transitioned peacefully.
She was dutifully surrounded by her loved ones.
She was predeceased by her oldest child, Dave Hanna and his wife, Sandra Hanna, in 2023.
The beautiful memories of her life and love are etched in the hearts of those she left to continue her
legacy: Children: Vanette Hanna, Portia Glinton and Kelvin Hanna (Aretha Hanna); Grandchildren:
Dacoda Hanna, Tamika Hanna, Lashante Jones, Gemetreya Cartwright, Delton Hanna, Kelicia Hanna,
Davardo Hanna, Ricardo Glinton, Ricquille Kennedy, Kelshinique Hanna, Emmanuelle Kennedy, Troy
Symonette, Natasha Ferguson, Krisna Nesbitt, Clement Ferguson and Roberto Ferguson; 24 Great
grandchildren; 1 Great Great-Grandchild; Sisters: Calmneeda Bain (Norwood Bain deceased),
Urismae Nottage (Isiah Nottage), Lenoah Williams (Sherlen Williams); Brothers: Brady Hanna
(Martha Hanna-deceased), Brenwill Hanna (Remelda Hanna-deceased), Michael Hanna; A host of
family and friends including: Nathaniel Moss, Pastor Gray and Sister Gray, Pastor Ehud Hanna,
Lewis Kennedy, Una Hanna, Shavonne Hanna, Madlyn Moss, Merial Hanna, Bernadette Braynen and
The Lafleur Family, Management and Staff of Star-Bailey.
