Marchita L. Locke

Marchita Locke (Nee Jenkins) was born to the union of Wilford F Jenkins Sr. and Juanita F Jenkins on February 8, 1953. She departed this life on January 6, 2025. She accepted Christ at an early age at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church. She graduated from Hughes High School in 1971. Marchita went on to pursue a career in journalism and worked for WCET, Channel 48. She met and married Phil Malone, and a beautiful daughter, Philana, was born to that union. Marchita was also a writer and publisher for a black newspaper, The Crusader, an informative publication where she demonstrated her eloquent way with words, and her articles featured topics that captured the interest of many, which resulted in the paper’s success for many years.

In 1995, Marchita married Leon Locke. Their union spanned 29 years full of love and devoted companionship. Leon diligently loved and cared for Marchita until his death in February 2024.

Marchita enjoyed serving in her community. She was the President of the Homeowners Association of her neighborhood and forged her own business through the Melaleuca Company, a company committed to holistic wellness. Marchita was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved and enjoyed her family very much and loved capturing memories through the many photographs that she took. Marchita loved health and wellness and enjoyed sharing her             insights on preventative health and holistic and naturopathic health and care.

Marchita will be remembered for her love and commitment to her family and her faith. She will also be remembered for her strong convictions and memorable way with words.

Marchita was preceded in death by her father, mother, brothers Vernon C. Jenkins and Wilford F. Jenkins Jr., as well as her loving and devoted husband, Leon Locke. She is survived by her sister Marcia Isabel; her daughter, Philana Malone; stepdaughters, Lana (Curtis) Shaw, Krishona (David) Poignard, and Tamera (Frank) Hollimon; her grandchildren, Maiya Malone, Myles Malone, and Makari Malone. Step-grandchildren, Joshua Shaw, Joseph Shaw, and David Poignard, two great-grandchildren, Gia Malone and Jrue Malone; as well as a host of other family members and friends.

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