On Monday, September 27, 2021, Marion Lynn Dewees (Locklear) “Meme” loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend was called to her eternal home after a brief illness at the age of 66, in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Marion “Marti” was born November 4, 1954, in Lumberton, North Carolina to George and Helen (Bell) Locklear and granddaughter to the late Furman and Maggie Bell of St. Pauls, North Carolina members of the Lumbee Native American Tribe. Marti graduated from Incarnate Word High School in San Antonio, Texas and received an associate degree in fashion design from Jones College in Jacksonville, Florida followed by a career in modeling and retail. On September 10, 1976, she married James Adrian Dewees in Wichita, Kansas. They raised a son, Aaron and daughter, Adrienne, active members of Faith Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kansas from 1977-1989. After moving to Union, Kentucky in 1989, she was an active member in the Richwood Presbyterian Church, participating in volunteer boards, school PTO, Jeff Thomas catering and business owner of the “Go to Girls”. Marti enjoyed traveling with her family and event planning both personally and professionally. Jim and Marti made Fernandina Beach their home base in 2006 as active members of First Presbyterian Church. Marti enjoyed her friends in Esther Circle, Tuesday Morning Bible Study and participated in a variety of volunteer/social opportunities such as Joy to the Children, Salvation Army Hope House, Humane Society, Jazz festival, Shrimp Festival, Mah Jong and Womens Club.
Marti was known for her faith driven, heart of gold for helping others and vibrant spirit for life. But of all the many roles she had, “Meme” was her favorite. She was proud of her ten grandchildren: Elle, Luke, Vincent, Cece, Emmelia, Grace, Lucy Dewees and Riley, Reese, Regan and Cole Talbert.

She is survived by son, Dr. Aaron Dewees (Courtney) of Newburgh, Indiana and daughter, Adrienne Talbert (Shane) of Fernandina Beach, Florida. Sister Linda Locklear (Michael Almer) of Valley Center, California, great nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.
Marti is preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers Dewayne and George Kelly, sister Diantha (Kenneth), great nephew Narsall Checora.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meme’s favorite organizations: Grace and Gratitude Sober Living (Henry Green) PO Box 16824 Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035 and Salvation Army Hope House 410 South 9th Street Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034.

Celebration of Life will be Friday November 5, 2021, at 11:00am at First Presbyterian Church Fernandina Beach, Florida to honor both Marti “Meme” and Jim “Papa” Dewees.