Marva "Sister" Whitfield

Marva Whitfield - 89, was called into Glory on January 1, 2026.
 

Marva was born on July 27, 1936, to the union of Willie Maxie Whitfield and Hattie Mae
(Brownlow) Whitfield in Stirrat, WV. Being the first-born daughter, she was known as Sister to
her family. The family relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 1946. Marva graduated from Columbus
East High School. She found employment with Swan Cleaners working at the Mt Vernon
Avenue, downtown High Street and German Village locations. She made many friends while at
Swan. Marva was faithful and dedicated to Swan for 50 years. During her tenure, she received
many awards and accolades.

Although Marva did not learn to drive and would not fly on an airplane, she enjoyed being on the
move. She enjoyed reading, watching movies, eating out and shopping with friends and
relatives, family reunions, fish fry’s and just spending time with family and friends. She also
enjoyed visiting several states and cruising to the Bahamas with her sister and nieces.
Marva accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was a member of Mt Period Baptist Church
attending until illness prevented her from attending in person services.

Sister is predeceased by her parents, Willie and Hattie, and brothers Howard (Bobby), Joe,
Robert, Walter, and Troy Whitfield. Also predeceased by sister in laws Shardine, Phyllis, and
Aleta Whitfield and brother-in-law Frank Lane. Marva is survived by her sister, Bulah Lane, sister-in-law Doris Whitfield, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends, including Thelia Grady and friends at Barnett Plaza.

Services will be held on Tuesday January 13th in the chapel of Smoot Funeral Services.

Visitation 11:00 AM until time of service at 12 noon.

Internment at Eastlawn Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marva "Sister" Whitfield, please visit our floral store.