Marguerite Spratley Worsley
July 13,1927 – February, 9, 2025

Mrs. Marguerite Spratley Worsley transitioned from this life on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Riverside Regional Hospital, in Newport News,Virgina in the presence of medical staff and her son, Rev. Michael C. Worsley. She was 97 years old. Mrs.Worsley was born in Smithfield,Virginia on July 13, 1927. Her parents were the late Herbert and Gertelia Spratley Sr. She was the 3rd of 4 children.

Mrs.Worsley grew up and became a lifelong resident of Newport News. The first five years of her life, Marguerite lived with her parents and her siblings. A little little later, after the passing of her parents, they were all raised by their maternal grandmother, the late Alberta Smith. Mrs. Worsley attended both John Marshall and Dunbar Elementary Schools and completed her secondary education at Huntington High School, in the Class of 1945. Shortly afterward, she met and married the love of her life, Mr. James Albert (Buster) Worsley. Through this union, LaVerne, was born in 1948, and Michael Cornel Worsley, in 1957).

For many years, Mrs. Worsley held several jobs finishing her successful career in the home health field as a Nurse's Aide. Her last professional role was at Riverside Hospital applying her skills to patient support.

Mrs. Worsley grew up attending Zion Baptist Church and as an adult. she proudly became a member of the Gospel Choir. Later, she joined the newly established Gethsemane Baptist Church of Newport News, under Bishop, Rev. Dr. Dwight Riddick.  She was a member in good standing  for 40 years. While in good health, she sang in the choir for a few years, then faithfully served as a Deaconess and a Missionary.

Deaconess Worsley was predeceased by her grandparents, parents, and siblings,
one brother, Herbert Spratley Sr. (Ella), and two sisters, Alberta Taft (Abraham) and Gloria Tabb (Emmit), all of Newport News,Virginia. Her husband James A Worsley, passed away on January 8, 2018 also at 97 years old. Ironically, her passing on February 9th, was also his birthday.

She leaves to cherish her memory a loving daughter, LaVerne Gillis (Loving Son In Law, Eugene) of Canton, OH and a faithful son and full time, caregiver Rev. Michael C. Worsley, Newport News VA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Gethsemane Baptist Church.  Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m., Monday, February 24, 2025 at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.

The service will be live on our youtube channel, GBC TV (click the link below)
https://www.youtube.com/c/GBCTVlive or go to our church websitegethsemanebaptist.org
click the watch live button on the opening page, you will then be redirected to our GBC TV channel.