Marian Josephine Webb's Obituary
Marian Josephine Webb passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 6, 2015 at the age of 96. She was the middle daughter of three girls born from the union of Joe Williams and Lillie Roney. Her two sisters Grace and Mildred preceded her in death.Marian was born in Dallas, Texas. As a child she and her sisters had fun singing in the choir, going to the movies, and visiting family members in the country because life there was different than life in the city. She used to say that the sisters were big shots in the country because they lived in Big D (city girls visiting in the country). Sundays were spent in Roe’s Chapel.She attended Booker T. Washington High School with her sister Grace and graduated in1936. The following year she attended The MME.C.J. Walker College of Beauty Culture and graduated April 23, 1939. Marian and her sister Grace opened a beauty shop next door to the family home that Grandpa Joe had built for them. Marian and Grace worked there until the spring of 1942. While working there she married her first husband, Hugh Roberson and had a daughter, Charlotte Jan from that union. Marian, Grace and their spouses were part of that Great Migration of African Americans in 1942 who relocated to San Francisco because of the job opportunities created by World War II. Marian went to work at Marin Ship in Sausalito as a welder (Rosie the Riveter). She used to say that her boss would say that her welding rivaled the quality of the top males at the shipyard. During her time at the shipyard, Marian and Hugh separated and eventually divorced.After the war, she found work at Koret of California; there she met Marion Henry Webb, a sewing machine mechanic. During their courtship, Marian’s daughter Charlotte Jan “dated” Marion Henry and not long after offered her approval. Marion and Marian were married in January 1950. Debra was born in March of 1951 followed by Byron born in November 1957. Marian left Koret to take care of her family. In 1964 Marian returned to work for the San Francisco Unified School District as a cafeteria worker. She retired in 1983 after 19 years of service.She was a wonderful dancer who loved the Lindy Hop and the Jitterbug and was familiar with all of the latest dance steps. She was proud that she was able to keep up with all her dance partners. She had a wonderful singing voice and frequently sung around the house. Even as she aged, she never lost her love for singing. At the age of 91 she would sing karaoke with her caregivers. Marian loved to garden and always had beautiful flowers in her yard. She crocheted and would make beautiful doilies for her tables.Marian was fiercely protective of her family. A few times you might see her with the broomstick when something wasn’t going right with the neighborhood kids.Marian was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years. She leaves behind her three children and their spouses: Charlotte and Fredrick James, Debra Webb, Byron and Linda Webb. Eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the following caregivers: Lita, Malia, Mahima, Flora, Beth, Marilou, and LaShun.
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