Hope Denise Harbin, 55, of Fernandina Beach passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2018 after a lengthy illness.
Born in Centralia, Illinois she was a daughter of Joe and Louisa Marcum. She graduated from the University of Illinois, Springfield. She and her husband of 27 years, Jay moved to Fernandina Beach in 1999.
Hope was a long time Secretary in the Guidance Office at Fernandina Beach High School where she touched the lives of many students. In addition to her role in the Guidance Office she was also the Cross Country Coach.
A parishioner at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Hope served as a Eucharistic Minister there as well as in other roles where she was always helpful. It was her nature to never say no to anybody. She was able to volunteer and assist in several local activities and events. She was a Board Member for the Eight Flags Shrimp Festival and Joy to the Children. She also volunteered for Katies’s Ride.
Hope was a unique and special person who will always be remembered for her positive and selfless giving. She always had a smile and there was never a harsh word from her. She was truly a “One of a Kind” lady who was inspiration to so many people by her presence in their lives.
She leaves behind her husband, Jay Harbin of Fernandina Beach; her twin sons, Jake Harbin of Jacksonville, Florida and Seth (Vivian) Harbin of Clarksville, Tennessee; her parents, Joe and Louisa Marcum of Centralia, Illinois; her siblings, Annette Holloway of Farmington, Missouri, April (Bob) Feig and Jack Marcum, all of Centralia, Illinois; her father in law, John W. Harbin of Fernandina Beach, Florida and her brother in law, Kenny Harbin of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; sister in law Judy Lujan of Salem, Oregon as well as many extended family members and close friends.
Hope’s family will receive friends Monday, December 3, 2018 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. There will be a Vigil Service beginning at 6:00 PM.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church beginning at 3:00 PM with Fr. Jose Kallukalam, celebrant. She will be laid to rest at a later date in Bon Aqua, Tennessee.
The family asks that donations be made, in Hope’s memory, to Joy to the Children, P. O. Box 16404, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035 or their website: joytothechildren.org.
25 Condolences
Our sincerest condolence.
My thoughts and prayers are with Harbin family. Hope was one of the most amazing women I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet, so gracious and joyful. The community has lost ray of light and valued member. Deepest sympathy <3
I have never met Hope nor you dear family members, but my heart and prayers go out to you all in your time of grief. We had a mutual friend who has asked for prayer requests for Hope for a long time and I felt like I knew her as a friend. I know wait until we will meet in a far better place. May God’s comfort be with us all.
Jay & Family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Hope was always full of hope. She was also full of love & Joy. We were blessed to have known her. So very sorry for your loss.
Please accept my condolences. Hope was a shining light and will be missed. I had many interactions with her at the high school through TSIC and for the Rotary Club Scholarship Committee. Always smiling and helpful, you could not help but see her dedication to the students and school.
My deepest condolences to the family. Ms Hope touched each of my six children lives and we will be forever grateful for her unending love that she gave every day. Marquez,Arlecia,Wy’kel,Curtisa,Reggine,Reggina
Describing Hope as an angel wouldn’t come close to what she truly was, it would be better to describe an angel as Mrs. Hope. I was blessed to have her as a mentor and role model and I was so blessed just to know her and being able to call her my friend.
So many students had a better day because of Hope.
I am so sorry to hear that Hope passed. He is now with her Lord and no longer in pain. The world is a much better place because of Hope. We worked together a long time ago at Sutton Place and saw each other occasionally over the years. She always had such a bright attitude and smile that would light up the room. I consider myself blessed to have known her.
Jay, I’m so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you at this sad time. Love,
Whenever I had to come up the school, Hope always had a smile on her face. You could tell the kids loved her and she loved the kids. Prayers for her family.
Hope Harbin was a wonderful human being who always had a smile on her face. She was always willing to help, she always encouraged others, and she exhibited character and integrity. What an example of a fine Christian!!! I will miss her infectious laugh and spirit!!! Rest In Peace.
Heartfelt blessings to your family.
To an amazing woman who has left her imprint on this world!! Thank you for touching my and my Daughters hearts with your love, kindness, joyful spirit, caring heart and amazing grace. You will be remembered always!!
A beautiful lady inside and out who will be terribly missed. My sincere condolences.
My Darling Hope, thank you for 25 years of profound friendship. You will live forever in the hearts and minds of all us who love you. That’s just one more manifestation of your immortality, which you so richly deserve. I love you with all my heart.
We have all lost a beautiful friend this week. She was incredibly selfless and caring and Imwill never forget her. Godspeed, Hope. You will be missed.
I first met Hope in 2010 when I took over as the Boys State Chairmen for the American Legion, which is a program to help students understand the workings of out government. She was more then happy to setup meetings between myself and the students who were interested in the program. While I was new to the program, she knew exactly what was needed. The more I asked of her the more she would do. Even though she didn’t really have the time. SHE ALWAYS FOUND THE TIME. SHE WILL BE SURELY MISSED BY THE AMERICAN LEGION as well as myself and the Fernandina Facility..
Hope touched so many lives and hearts with her positive, caring and selfless attitude. She is our true Christmas angel this year and in the future. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
My heartfelt condolences to the Harbin and Marcum families. Hope was an amazing, beautiful soul with a joyful and contagious spirit.
My condolences to Jay, Seth, Jake, Vivian. and the Harbin family and friends. For the short time that I had the pleasure of knowing Hope, she was a gracious host, kind advisor, and fellow care giver to students. I pray God’s perfect lasting peace be with you all knowing this sweet angel is resting in the arms of our great father in heaven. Thank you for allowing me to know such an example of kindness on this Earth.
Hope’s warmth and generosity radiated out from the office where she worked. Even I, who passed through once a week while mentoring was moved by her magnetism, concern and desire to acknowledge and support all whom she came in contact with. Hope was a shining beacon and a role model for the possibilities of human compassion. I miss her presence there.
We will truly miss you!
I grew up with Hope through our years at St. Mary’s Grade School and Centralia High School. Hope was kind and gentle even as a child. She radiated a joyful and positive spirit that lifted those fortunate enough to call her friend. I can still remember our class receiving First Communion with Hope and the other girls wearing their white dresses. Memories like these become more precious with time. I am so sad to hear of her passing. My deepest sympathy goes out her family.
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