Marion Louise Skinner

Marion Louise (Prevost) Skinner passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at the remarkable age of 105, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 26, 1920, in Newport Station, Hants County, Nova Scotia, Marion was the daughter of the late George Alfred Prevost and Stella May (Paris) Prevost. One of twelve children, she grew up in a close‑knit family where hard work, faith, and community shaped her early life. Under her father’s guidance, she learned to drive a horse and wagon, shingle roofs, and tend the family garden—experiences that nurtured the determination, independence, and strong work ethic that defined her character.

A Life of Learning and Christian ServiceMarion graduated from the Provincial Normal College in Truro with a teaching diploma in 1940. Her commitment to Christian leadership led her to Acadia University from 1947 to 1949, where she earned a Diploma in Christian Leadership Training.She spent much of her life in Halifax, where she became a devoted and influential member of Cornwallis Street Baptist Church (now New Horizons Baptist Church), the mother church of the African United Baptist Association. She provided leadership in Sunday School, Women’s Work, and served faithfully in the Deacon’s Ministry.From 1949 to 1953, Marion served as a Field Worker throughout Black communities in Nova Scotia. She organized C.G.I.T. groups, Christian youth programs, Daily Vacation Bible Schools, Young People’s Groups, Ladies Auxiliaries, and Missionary Groups. She established the first Ladies’ Auxiliary in Lequille and the first 10‑day Daily Vacation Bible Schools across the province. Her ministry also included countless hospital and nursing home visitations.Marion later served as interim pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Saint John, New Brunswick. She became the first Black Missionary in Nova Scotia under the African United Baptist Association—an achievement that reflected both her courage and her calling.A Devoted EducatorMarion’s teaching career was 39 years long, primarily in segregated schools in Nova Scotia. She taught in Conway (1940–1943), North Preston (1943–1945), and Beechville (1945–1947). From 1953 to 1964, she was principal of Beechville School. She later taught at Richmond School in Halifax (1964–1983) and St. Joseph’s-Alexander MacKay School (1983–1985). Even after retirement, she continued her love of learning by auditing classes at Dalhousie University.Throughout her career, she worked alongside respected educators such as Edmond Morris and Walter Fitzgerald, inspiring her dedication to service, education, and community.Faith, Family, and CommunityFaith was central to Marion’s life. She met her husband, Bill, through church activities, and they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service.Beyond her work, Marion actively contributed to community organizations, mentoring many young people and forming lifelong friendships.She was a devoted wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great‑great‑grandmother. Her family was among her greatest joys.Family and LegacyMarion was predeceased by her husband, Cecil William (Bill), in 1993.She is survived by her children William (Jill) Skinner of New Glasgow and Darlene Logan of Dartmouth; her grandchildren Andrew (Adele), Craig (Dawn), James (Rosalyn), and Mark; her four great‑grandchildren Donovan, Thane, Theo, and Miles; and her two great‑great‑grandchildren Nilez and Leo. She also leaves behind sisters Maxine Shephard and Sharon Prevost, brother Blayne Prevost, along with many nieces and nephews.A Life Rich in ExperienceMarion loved to travel across Canada and abroad, visiting landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, singing with Westminster Abbey’s choir, and experiencing scenic adventures like the Peak to Peak Gondola ride.A Legacy of Faith and LoveMarion’s life was a testament to faith, service, learning, perseverance, and love. Her influence persists in the lives she touched, the communities she uplifted, and her family’s legacy.She shared a special relationship with her sister Sharon, who cared for her daily.Our family sincerely thanks her caregivers and the staff at Caritas Home who supported her.Her funeral services will be held at New Horizons Baptist Church on July 3, 2026.