Marcia Fay (Shirkey) Banes
Marcia Fay (Shirkey) Banes, 45, formerly of Staunton, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at her residence in Savannah, Georgia.
Marcia was born in Waynesboro, Virginia on January 23, 1978 a daughter of W. Allen and Joyce Fay (Lillard) Shirkey.
She attended Victory Worship Center when she lived in Staunton and was a 1996 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School. Marcia graduated Summa Cum Laude from Blue Ridge Community College and received an Associate in Applied Science Degree (Information Systems Technology). She was most recently employed with Chatham Club (a member’s only fine dining and social club) in Savannah, Georgia.
In addition to her parents of Staunton, Marcia is survived by a sister, Carmen Allyn (Shirkey) Collins and her husband, Jim of Midlothian, VA; her close friend, Josh Flores of Savannah, GA; aunts, Lois Fleming and husband, Homer of Earlysville, VA and Kay Lillard and companion, Ken Aleshire of Waynesboro, VA; and uncles, Paul Lillard and wife, Sara of Virginia Beach, VA, Ray Lillard and wife, Kathy of Richmond, VA, and Wayne Shirkey of York County, PA.
Marcia was married from 2001 until 2008 and the couple moved to Savannah, Georgia as he was stationed at Fort Bragg.
In 2004 Marcia was a manager and personal trainer for an area gym; she worked for South Magazine; and she booked visitors in Savannah rental homes and managed the office. Marcia worked for Old Savannah Tours promoting tourism where, Mickey Minick, a kind mentor, helped her become one of the best employees in the company. She stayed there for many years. One of the proudest moments in her career was when she received the Tourism Leadership Counsel Award- Member of the Year.
In October of 2009, Marcia’s next adventure was moving to Costa Rica with Josh and some friends. People thought they were crazy, making a drastic life change. They bought a hotel, Refagio del Sol, and a restaurant, El Fenix. They served good food and there was something going on every weekday with trivia, poker and Wii. They introduced southern hospitality to Nosara, which is a town of surfing, beautiful beaches and sunrises.
Marcia was a creative person. She enjoyed writing scripts for stand-up comedians and performing. Her first comedy stand-up routine was at Bay Street Theater, where she won third place. Marcia never knew a stranger and could talk for hours. She found humor in so many situations.
From 2017-2019, Marcia and her friend, Lauren Baum, organized a charity Lip-Sync Battle, raising over $30,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
In 2017 Marcia and her dancers won first place- Big Belt Buckle. She was thrilled.
Marcia knew the Lord as her personal Savior. Several friends have told her mother that she led them to the Lord in a time of trouble.
In honor of Marcia, the family invites each of you to dedicate an act of kindness to Marcia’s memory. Let’s brighten someone’s day and make the world a better place.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by Reverend William “Bill” Trice.
A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in St. Matthews Cemetery, in New Market, Virginia.
Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Attn: Jessie Brinsfield, P.O. Box 14254, Savannah, GA 31416.
The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever Believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 NKJV) Through Jesus, God offers all of us the free gift of eternal life. Would you like to receive that gift? If so, pray this prayer from your heart. “God, I come to You in Jesus' Name. I admit I am a sinner in need of a Savior. The Bible says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9 NLT). I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead. And I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior. According to Your Word, I am saved. I receive Your gift to me of eternal life. Thank you! In Jesus' Name, amen.”
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.
