FRANKLIN-Marjorie N. Bunch, 87, of Franklin, VA went to be with the Lord on February 19, 2011.   She was preceded in death by her husband, John Clarence Bunch, Jr.  She is survived by her son John C. Bunch, III and his wife Sandra Bunch of Sedley, VA; her daughter Martha B. Kalichman and her husband Michael Kalichman of Richmond, VA; her son David D. Bunch and his wife Beth Bunch of Williamsburg; two grandchildren, Joshua Kalichman of Livonia, Michigan, Sarah Kalichman of Harrisonburg, VA; and a brother Daniel Nobles of Montclair, NJ.

Marjorie was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and was cherished by her family.  She grew up in Toms River, NJ and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s of music at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ.  Becoming a church organist was the fulfillment of a dream.  She accepted her first organ job in North Adams, MA and later worked in a church in Toms River, NJ before moving to Franklin in 1951 to be the organist of the Franklin Baptist Church.  Later she was also organist at Sycamore Baptist church, Courtland Baptist Church, Franklin Congregational Christian Church, Hunterdale Christian Church, and Emmanuel Episcopal Church where she retired at the age of 81.

Marjorie also spent several years working as a music teacher in the public school system in Carrsville, Windsor, Ivor, Sedley, Newsoms, and Courtland.  Through the years, she taught private lessons for piano, organ and voice. She was the treasurer for the Community Concert Series, member of the Tidewater Music Club and the Franklin Music Club where she served as past president.

She became an inspiration to many with her positive attitude through life, especially as she persevered after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer almost six years ago.

She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity, for her love of music, and as a shining light for Christ.

Visitation will be held at 7:00 PM Tuesday at Wright Funeral Home, and the funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Franklin with Rev. Ed Pickup officiating.

Because her gift of music profoundly enriched the lives of many, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to a scholarship fund in memory of Marjorie N. Bunch: Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Office of Major Gifts, 101 Walnut Ln., Princeton, NJ 08540

www.wrightfuneralhome.org