Marlene Amacker Besley
Norfolk- Marlene Besley passed away peacefully September 7, 2018, surrounded by her loving children. She was 82 years old. You could say she was just over 20 years old, because her birthday was every four years, February 29th – Leap Year Day. The fact she was a leapling was one of many qualities that made her so special.
She overcame a childhood of poverty and strife to become a young model, where at Dover AFB she caught the eye of an Air Force officer and started a family. Marlene was a devoted mother, raising her three children while her husband served several tours in Vietnam. She raised her children in Antigua, Hawaii, Alabama, Florida, and Virginia, and during the most difficult times in her life.
Marlene later became a successful real estate broker while chairing officers’ wives’ committees, serving on the Armed Forces Staff College – Executive Board, as well as being an exemplary host to numerous visiting dignitaries in her home. She was also an early card-carrying member of the National Organization for Women. She was gentle, loving, and loyal to friends, family, and even to all the pets that touched our lives. If she needed to defend her honor or dignity, now that’s when you saw the Picayune, Mississippi of her childhood come out. She was uniquely strong.
Marlene leaves behind three children: Donna (née Besley) Hibler of Exton, PA. and her husband Glenn; Suzanne Besley of Apex, NC and her husband Keith Bradshaw; and Bruce Besley of Norfolk, VA. She is also survived by siblings and three loving grandchildren.
We are very grateful to the caring staff at Commonwealth Senior Living – The Ballentine, and most importantly the staff of the Sweet Memories facility. We will never forget your kindness and love. You made her dance.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the Lewy-Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org/donate)
Online condolences may be sent to the family through vacremationsociety.com
Losing mom is painful for us all, but we know she is finally at peace. From the deep, dark sea to the stars above, there is nothing as precious as a mother’s love.