On July 4, 1927, the beautiful Marie Young was born to Ms. Daisy Simmons and Mr. Will Young in Glenville, Georgia. Although her formal education was limited, little Marie was bright, independent, and determined; these characteristics served her well throughout her life. In her early adult years, Ms. Marie moved up north, where she would welcome three children: Rollie Jr., Jewel, and Harry Lee. As life shifted, Ms. Marie’s desire for a fresh start brought her to Rochester, NY, where, with the help of her mother, she set down new roots. During this time, she was blessed with three more children: Willie Ira “Sno,” Leanarde “Lee,” and Dennis. Like many other women of her generation, Ms. Marie sought new ways to provide for her children with consistency and care.
One such endeavor was the Blue Flame, a restaurant she opened in Northeast Rochester, which she later closed after a short while. Another milestone was moving from the Hanover housing projects to owning a single-family home on Philander Street, where she became part of a close-knit community. Ms. Marie was employed by the Rochester City School District (RCSD), where she began her career working in the laundry room at East High School. She was eventually promoted to a security guard, which was not a common position for a Black woman at the time. She eventually retired from RCSD in her late 50s, although she often joked that she was looking for another job well into her 80s.
Ms. Marie was a true matriarch in every sense of the word. Her home was a gathering place where she also helped raise several of her grandchildren. An excellent cook, she shared her culinary greatness with everyone. A sharp dresser, she was known for her style and her grace. She was also an enthusiastic dancer, ready to cut a rug solo or with family anytime the feeling moved her. A wise woman, she was counted on for her insightful counsel. Affectionately known as “Pretty Marie,” she greeted each day with a smile. Her personal motto was, “Everyone is due the time of day,” which she lived in word and deed. She never met a stranger. The center of her five-generation family, Ms. Marie was cherished like a queen. Up until the very final moments of her life, she was surrounded by family and enveloped in love.
Ms. Marie was predeceased by her parents; her siblings (from both parents); her former partner, Frank Mitchell; her children’s fathers; several great-grandchildren; her son-in-law, William Asberry, Jr.; and her two sons, Harry Lee Simmons and Dennis Young, Sr.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her children—son: Rollie Jordan, Jr. (Marilyn); daughters: Jewel Asberry, Ira Young (Curtis Griffin), and Lee Young; and many grandchildren, including those she helped raise: Sheila Coleman, Felicia “Kim” Rouse, Micheal Coleman, Sr., Gerald “Rod” Coleman, Sr., Tokeya “Tookie” Graham, Dennis Young, Jr., and Cash Young. Ms. Marie Young will be fondly remembered by a host of other relatives and close friends who became family. Her life serves as a testament to living well and living long.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 27th at Noon (Visitation 11-12 Noon)
at Goodwill M.B. Church, 111 Clifton St., Rochester, NY 14611. Interment: Riverside Cemetery.
The family is asking all guests to wear white if you are able to. You are welcome no matter what you have on. Thank you!
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Sending my love and condolences to my big cousin tokeya and family ❤️🙏🏾
My Sincere Condolences to you and your Family 🙏❤️🙏🙏
My heartfelt condolences to cousin, Jewel and family. May you all find comfort in the wonderful memories and time you shared together.
Love you dearly,
Cousin, Miriam
Rest well auntie we love you your great neice of claxton ga
Somethings in life are worth remembering. The sweet visit of my mother’s (Ida Mae Smith Eason) younger sister, (Auntie Marie Young) to our home in Georgia is one amazing memory. The week was filled with astonishing stories from their past. It was so easy to love and cherish the beauty of aunt Marie’s warm character. Yes, she will always be one of my greatest memories. I love you Auntie Marie Young.aesmith
Rest in Power Mrs Marie! You Will be Missed Sending Love Peace and Light to the Family. Love You Cousin Jewel!!!
My great grandma was the best woman I’ve ever known. So many memories of my siblings and I spending summers and every day after school with her. She will be greatly missed. I’ll take the memory of her with me everywhere I go. ❤️
Though i didn’t get to spend a lot of time with you, I remember when i was small we use to get to come over with our cousins and enjoy your cooking and those hugs you use to give us. I wish I could’ve spent more time as an adult, but i will always remember calling you and wishing you holidays greetings and telling you I love you more than chocolate cake. My grandkids are blessed to visit you sometimes and feel the love that was for us all. You will be in our hearts forever. Watch over your flock and continue to smile that beautiful smile in Heaven. Love you GMA!! You are a legend
So honored to have had the pleasure of meeting and sharing space with this amazing matriarch at the warm and welcoming home of my dear friends Tokeya and Kevin on multiple occasions. I immediately knew where my sis Tokeya gets her warmth and wit from upon meeting Ms. Young. For certain, she was loved and her love will always be with you. And to my niece and nephews, your great Grandmother lives on in you so keep smiling and basking in the memory of her glow. I love you all! 💛🌻✨
My deepest sympathies to all who knew and love Miss Marie. May her legacy of love and joy live on through all the lives she has impacted. Sending you all my love💖
I’m blessed to have spent so much time with my great grandma. She was truly a one of a kind lady who was always full of love and good times. I’m going to carry her with me forever ❤️❤️❤️
My grandmother was the absolute best person that I ever did know. She raised me since I was one year old and loved me beyond this life. And it was reciprocal. Everything that I am is because this beautiful woman took me in and gave me wings. I am blessed to be a reflection of her love and I am even more blessed that she knew how much I loved her. I gave her plenty of flowers while she was alive. I pray that she gets the rest she deserves. I know God is pleased with her beautiful self. ❤️❤️❤️