Charles Barrow

Marcella Macklin

Greater Philadelphia Cremation

Obituary
In loving Memory of Mrs. Marcella Macklin
April 12, 1933 – January 12, 2026
Marcella Macklin, 92, of Petersburg, VA, went home to be with the Lord on January 12, 2026. Her daughter, Dr. Paticia Williams Diaw stood near holding Miss Marcella's hand as her soul gently entered eternal rest. She was born in Akron, OH and raised in Blandford, a small community in Petersburg, VA. She worked in Washington, DC until retirement and eventually returned to Petersburg, residing for over 13 years in Lafayette House. For many years, she was an active worshiper at First Baptist, the church she joined when she was in her youth. In 2024, she relocated from Petersburg to Swarthmore, PA.
Marcella is well known for enjoying the simple pleasures of life—breaking bread with others, reading her Bible, and offering words of encouragement and wisdom to family and friends. As the family’s matriarch and pillar of strength, Marcella found fulfillment and joy in being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. This faithful Child of God is survived by daughter, Dr. Patricia Williams Diaw, of Swarthmore PA; granddaughter, Latesha Durrett Barrow, of San Juan PR; grandson, Charles A. Barrow and his wife, Petra, of North Port FL; and two great-grandsons; niece, Yvette Sims of Philadelphia, grandnephew, Jhon Pitt of Philadelphia; extended family Charles O. Barrow of Chester PA, Joann Clayton (goddaughter) of Petersburg VA, Annette Smith-Lee of Petersburg VA, David and Lorraine Hill of Petersburg VA. Mrs. Macklin’s son, Sterling Lamont Macklin, daughter Patricia E. Macklin, and brother Theodore (Teddy) Sims preceded Mrs. Macklin in death. Homegoing Celebrations will be held 3:30 pm, Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Virginia at the Petersburg Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room.
Condolences may be shared on greaterphiladelphiacremation.mykeeper.com/MarcellaMacklin

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Marcella Macklin Obituary | Greater Philadelphia Cremation