Jean Parker Marcinko Ross

Jean Parker Marcinko Ross of Marietta passed away July 17 at home. She was 88 years old. Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday at Powers Ferry United Methodist Church in Marietta with Rev. Jane Nugent officiating. She will lie in state from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park in Marietta. Jean was born in Trenton, Ga to Munsey and Cora Parker. She was their only daughter having four brothers, Richard, Bob, Jack, and Syndey Parker. She graduated from high school at the age of 16. Soon after she began volunteer work with the American Red Cross in Chattanooga, Tenn. During WWII, working as a Liberty Belle, she met a young staff sergeant, George J. Marcinko of Winbourne, Pa. They were married for 45 years raising 6 children in Marietta until his death in 1988. She is also preceded by a son, John Marcinko and a daughter, Patricia Griewisch. She is survived by daughters, Mary Day Lantaff of Mobile, Ala., Sharon M. Burruss and her husband, Jim of Marietta; sons, Wayne Marcinko and his wife, Kyle of Marietta, Steve Marcinko and his wife, Karen of Holly Springs; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; numerous nieces and nephews. In 1989 she married Richard H. Ross of Wethersfield, Conn. adding 4 step-children, Doug Ross of Manchester, MO, Jim Ross of Fairport, NY, Tom Ross of Jersey City, NJ, and Ellen Womack of Altamonte Springs, FL, many step grandchildren, and new friends to her family. She and Richard enjoyed traveling in their RV until his death in 1999. Jean was actively involved with the YWCA of Cobb County serving as president from 1974 to 1981. She was instrumental in helping to start the Battered Women’s Shelter program in Cobb County. She was involved in the organization’s concern with world hunger being selected as one of 10 U.S. delegates to the International World Councils of YWCA. She was past president of the Town and County Women’s Club being selected Good Citizen of the Year in 1969 and 1975. The Marcinko family was selected as Family of the Year in 1968. Jean was nominated for Ga. Woman of the Year in 1976. In 1978, Jean was honored for 35 years of community service through the Atlanta Community Service Awards. She was selected Cobb County Community Council’s Humanitarian of the Year in 1979-80. Jean’s service to others was represented in her work with Volunteer Cobb Marietta. She helped homeless Vietnamese and Laotian families resettle in the area. She volunteered at MUST Ministries for 43 years helping with the Food Pantry, Toy Shop, and Summer Lunch Program. Jean and her daughter, Sharon, participated in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony. Jean was a charter member of Powers Ferry United Methodist Church attending Sunday School and Church services for over 60 years. She helped chaperone a Mission trip to Brazil and while there she went swimming in the Amazon River to celebrate her birthday. Jean was a world traveler exploring many countries including Austria, Greece, Hungary, Canada, New Zealand, British Isles, and France. Her adventures even took her to China and Russia where she and her grandson, Jimmy Lee participated in an exchange program with Soviet Georgia. Jean traveled throughout the western U.S., along the Gulf Coast and even to Alaska. She enjoyed cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Europe. Education was always a priority for her family. At the age of 61, she attended Kennesaw State University graduating magna cum laude with a degree in psychology in 1978. She was an expert seamstress and quilter. She also enjoyed a good game of bridge at the Cobb Senior Center and in her later years you could find her at home playing her own special game of solitaire. Jean was a devoted wife and mother. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Grams”. Over her lifetime, she shared her home and love with many relatives including several nieces and nephews. Flowers are appreciated, but contributions may be made in memory of Jean to MUST Ministries, 55 Chastain Rd NW Ste. 110 Kennesaw, Ga 30144 or to Powers Ferry United Methodist Church, 245 Powers Ferry Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067. Family will receive friends 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Jean Parker Marcinko Ross

August 8, 1925 - July 17, 2014