On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, God plucked a beautiful flower from His garden. Marian Kirby Edlow was resting peacefully when she gained her wings. Marian, affectionately known as "Baby Sis" or "Babes," was the youngest of five children born to the late Frances Lester Kirby and Isaac Kirby. She was born on December 12, 1944, in Newport News, Virginia, at Old Dixie Hospital.

A native of York County, Virginia, Marian spent her formative years in Long Island, New York, where she graduated from Andrew Jackson High School. She later returned to the Hampton Roads area and began her federal government career at the Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown, Virginia. While working, she attended The College of William & Mary before transferring to the University of Maryland, where the government placed her, to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. During this time, she met the love of her life, Carl Edlow, and together they lovingly raised their daughters, Kimberly and Ramona.

Marian dedicated 39 years of service as a civil servant and retired as a Management Analyst with the U.S. Department of Defense. Continuing her commitment to education and personal growth, she later earned her Master of Science in Business Administration from Saint Leo University.

Marian accepted Christ early in life at Cary's Chapel Baptist Church, where she was baptized at Public Landing. She later joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Havre de Grace, Maryland, where she served faithfully on the Usher Board. After relocating back to Virginia in 1997, Marian became a lifelong member of New Bethel Baptist Church. There, she faithfully taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. For 29 years, Marian served as an usher and later as President of the Usher Board. During that time, she also served as a church trustee for more than 14 years, remaining devoted in service until she gained her wings.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Carl R. Edlow; parents, Frances Lester Kirby and Isaac Kirby; and her brothers, Wayne and Tyrone Kirby. Marian leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving sister, Blanche; her brother, Gerald (Tina); her sister-in-law Thelma; her daughters, Kimberly and Ramona; three granddaughters, Amber, Kimani, and Adrianna; two grandsons, Lance (Kenise) and Reginald Isaiah (Barbie); three great-grandsons, Tristan, Jayden, and Kaleb; a bonus great-grandson, Austin; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her dear best friend, Loretta Brown.

Marian was a caring, loving, and nurturing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She had a remarkable ability to find the positive in any situation. Even through life's raging storms, she found peace and reminded us all that God was in control with her favorite saying: "But God!" She will be remembered for her positivity, optimism, and her unwavering walk in Christ. Marian loved the Lord, and He heard her cry. May she rest in eternal peace. BUT GOD!

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 6 - 8 PM at New Bethel Baptist Church, 3911 Big Bethel Road, Yorktown, VA 23693. A funeral service be on  Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11 AM at New Bethel Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.