Marian Gonzales, long time educator, Civic volunteer

Marian Jean Jacobs Gonzales was the youngest of 10 children born in Hickory Hill, Louisiana to the late Foris Jacobs Sr. and Elvira Jones Jacobs on October 24, 1953. She transitioned this life on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Rev. Clifton Jones at Starlight Baptist Church in Hickory Hill, Louisiana where she remained a faithful active member under the leadership of Rev. Laurdrick Jones and Rev. Van Keith Jones until uniting with First Congregational Baptist Church in 2002; where she remained an active member until her transition.

Marian graduated in 1971 from Marksville High school as part of the first class of integration. She earned a double major and graduated with honors earning a B.S. in Business and Office Education from Grambling State University in 1976. At GSU she was an active member of the Alpha Theta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she served as secretary and was also Student Government Treasurer. Marian worked at Dresser Industries for three years before starting her career as an educator. As a firm believer in the importance of education and remaining a life-long learner, Marian earned a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from The Southern University in 1999. She worked at various schools throughout Avoyelles Parish and she retired from Marksville High with over 30 years cultivating generations with knowledge. She served as cheerleader, yearbook, Future Business Leaders, and Fellowship of Christian Students sponsor, and the 9th-grade Redesign School Coordinator. Marian was President of the Minister’s wives, treasurer and youth sponsor for the Southeast 8th District Educational Association, mission president, financial secretary, and many other duties of service to others but her greatest title above all accolades was Servant of God.

Marian was united in holy matrimony to Pastor Micheal R. Gonzales on June 28, 1980 and to this union they raised four beautiful children. She was preceded in death by her parents Foris Sr. and Elvira Jacobs; her brother Federick Jacobs; two sisters, Vera Bailey and Martha Rae Guillot.

She leaves to cherish her memories and carry her legacy: two sons, Damian Jacobs (Liza) of Marksville, LA, Corey McGlory (Rosa) of Alexandria, LA; two daughters Ashley Gonzales of Hessmer, LA, and Samantha Carter (Kendall) of Zachary, LA; seven grandsons and six granddaughters; five great-grandchildren and two on the way; her siblings: Ad Calvin Jacobs (Dorothy) of Pittsburg, CA, Elton Jacobs Sr. (Carol) of Milwaukee, WI, Rachel Hearon, Donald Jacobs Sr. Foris Jacobs Jr. (Gertrude), and Levi Jacobs all of Marksville, LA.; two brothers in law Roy Bailey and Donald Guillot; one sister in law Ellen Jacobs; two god-sons; seven god-daughters; a loving friend and caregiver Betty Jones (Edward) of Marksville, LA.; an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, students, friends; her devoted Mission ladies and church family.