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Mr. Marvin Colston
March 16, 1950 – January 20, 2024
"Teach us to number our days that we may gain the heart of wisdom" ~Psalm 90:12

Marvin Colston, the son of Matthew Colston, Sr. and Annie Adkins Colston, began his first chapter of life on March 16, 1950, in Quincy, Florida. Together with his siblings, he was brought up under the watchful eyes of his community of concerned supporters who prepared him for life experiences. He was a resident of Orlando, Florida.

Preceding him in death were both parents, his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Betty Jean Niblack Colston; siblings: Louise (Jessie) Johnson, Audrey (Chester) Jackson, Oscar Colston, Sr., Mildred (Leroy) Green, Matthew (Catherine) Colston, Jr., Willie Colston, Pauline (Rudolph) Collins, and Horace (Minerva) Colston; and brother-in-law: Eddie Dyer.

Marvin walked in the favor of God. Earlier in life, he received in faith what Jesus offered in grace. Because of his personal relationship with Him, he easily put others' needs ahead of his own and treated them with compassion.

Marvin was quiet-natured – a man of few words, but when he spoke, others respectfully listened. He never interfered, but whenever his advice was requested, he assessed the situation with discernment and godly wisdom before he addressed it.

Employed by the acclaimed Peabody Hotel-Orlando for many years, Marvin's outstanding work ethic enabled him to level up for promotions. His last position was that of efficiently supervising the laundry and housekeeping staff.

Just as much as he enjoyed his employment career, Marvin also valued his pastime activities. He loved watching the series of westerns in syndication, especially Gunsmoke. Likewise, he loved being the armchair umpire as he watched baseball games on television. He was a dedicated, #1 Atlanta Braves fan.

Marvin served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War Era. At the end of his tour of duty, he was honorably discharged with the following commendations: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Army Commendation medals.

On Saturday, January 20, 2024, Marvin Colston concluded the final chapter of his life story when he gently closed his eyes for the last time and opened them on the other side -- where he found joyful rest beyond the River.

The key to immortality is living a life worth remembering. The same is true of Marvin Colston's life. Loved ones who will cherish his special memories until they will meet again are his sons: William Greg (Dorian) Thomas of Jacksonville, FL, Rodney (Kawanda) Thomas and Kendrick Thomas, all of Orlando, FL; daughter: Wendy (Dennis) Hammock-Silungwe of Orlando, FL; daughter/granddaughter: Britney (Brian) Robinson of Orlando, FL; sisters: Mary Lee Dyer and Eula (Eddie) Gallon; 17 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren; together with many other sorrowing relatives and loving friends.