Dear Readers —

It’s been a very difficult last few days. I was hoping so hard that the day would never come when I would have to write this post.

On the evening of Saturday, February 9th our dear friend, community advocate and Historic Anacostia resident, Marcia Parkes departed this earth. For the many people that loved and cherished Marcia, this is a very difficult loss indeed.

Marcia battled cancer bravely not once, but twice in the past few years and while we had held out hope she would triumph once again, it seems heaven needed another angel. So those that loved her are left devastated and in shock at her loss. The idea that Marcia will no longer have a physical presence at our next dinner, chat session, holiday, birthday celebration, vacation, etc. is unimaginable. Marcia was always present during almost all of my milestone east of the river moments, she will always take up an important place in my life story. That I was out of the country during her final week and was not able to say goodbye in person has left me feeling such guilt. The lack of closure has me still struggling with the finality of her passing days later. I was not ready to say goodbye, I don’t think any of us were ready.

Marcia was such a light in our Ward 8 community and in our circle of friends and neighbors. She was wise beyond her years, funny, smart, caring and so much more. She was such a fighter, even when Marcia was in great physical pain she kept a smile on her face and remained an elegant and positive force. I will cherish the memories like our last Thanksgiving together, all us wearing our Southeast Love shirts.

That Marcia would pass the night I returned from my vacation in the French West Indies just hurts my heart, we were texting Marcia during our trip and even then she was giving us recommendations on things to do and places to eat. But I will smile thinking about the fun Marcia, Jeff, Deb and I had when we took our trip to Guadeloupe during Thanksgiving 2016 when Marcia was in remission. Marcia was loved by so many but particularly her friends Greta, Tommie, Jeff, Tyffany, Catherine, Bee and Camille I know were close to Marcia and are feeling her loss deeply.

I am going to comfort myself thinking of Marcia somewhere at peace with the sun on her face, the wind on her back and miles and miles of possibilities and happiness in front of her.

I miss you already my friend. May you be free of pain and full of happiness.

In honor of my friend Marcia Parkes, Southeast Love Day 2019 (Feb 14th) will now be dedicated in Marcia’s memory. I encourage everyone to share special memories and photos of Marcia as we celebrate her life and the community that she loved.

Nikki Peele
AKA The Advoc8te