Deacon Velina A. Marshall

“Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21
Velina Marshall, who was fondly known to many as “Vilma” was called home to glory on the afternoon of February 9, 2022, with her devoted husband Al by her side. Her fight was over, her battle was won.

Velina Ann Thorpe was born on August 30, 1934, in what was then known as Canal Zone, Panama. She was one of the three children of Pearl Walters and Evans Thorpe. Velina grew up in Panama attending Spanish-speaking classes in the town of Gatun, in the morning and English-speaking classes in Rainbow City, in the afternoon. It was her father’s desire for her to speak both languages fluently. She also took sewing and cooking classes on the weekend for many years. Velina was given the nickname “CanCan”, by family and friends, because she loved to dance, watch movies about cancan dancers and she was always seen wearing a cancan skirt. Those close to her while she was growing up recall her as being very generous. A trait she would always possess.
After graduating from High School, Velina married Robert Quinlan. From their union they were blessed with two sons, Roberto and Mario and one daughter Renne. They raised their children in Panama until Velina decided to join her mother in the United States for greater opportunities. Velina and her three children arrived in the United States in 1961, first stopping in Miami and then making their way to New York. They took residence at 70 Booker Avenue in Wyandanch. Even though she moved to another home in the years to come, Velina remained a resident of Wyandanch until her death.
Once settled in New York, Velina, started working at Lakeside Hospital, in Copiague She worked in the maternity ward. In addition to working at the hospital, Velina did housekeeping work and helped her cousin, Sam Green run his privately-owned clubs. After a few years, Velina was blessed with another child, Jose Francois.
In 1970, when he was discharged from the Airforce, Velina met and fell in love with Albert” Al” Marshall. They married on July 25, 1972. They were blessed with the births of their son Marlon and later their daughter Charise.
Velina and Al continued to build their lives together. For years she worked at Circuit Technology and then went to work for Estee Lauder as the Quality Control Supervisor. Velina worked at Estee Lauder for 20 years until she retired.
In 1981 Velina visited Upper Room Tabernacle for the celebration of their first anniversary. She later decided to make Upper Room Tabernacle her church home. Once a member Velina fully devoted herself to serving GOD by serving her church home and her community. She joined the Altar, Hospitality, Women’s, Children of Hope and Isaiah 61 Ministries. Her and Al led a Care group. She participated in the Street Team ministry going out into the community delivering meals and witnessing to the people in need from the community.
One Thanksgiving Velina along with 30 other women, used their own money, to purchase and prepare food for families who would otherwise not have a hot meal for the holiday. They delivered 100 meals that day and that was the beginning of a ministry that now serves up to approximately 2,000 meals to needy families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season.
When Upper Room Tabernacle grew, later becoming Upper Room Christian World Center it moved into its newly constructed sanctuary, Velina helped to start and run the Greeter’s Ministry. A position she served in with great skill and compassion for many years. The church has always been able to rely on the excellent service provided by the greeters under Velina’s leadership.
Velina who became one of the beloved mothers of the church was ordained as a deacon in August of 2007. A title she earned by her unmatched dedication to the church and her strong faith in GOD.
One of Velina’s favorite things to do was shopping and whenever you saw her she was dressed to impress! She also loved to cook and bake. Out of the kindness of her heart she fed so many near and far. She even ran her own baking business out of her home for a while. So many loved her well decorated and delicious cakes.
Many describe Velina as strong, outspoken, honest (you never had to guess what she was thinking), giving, passionate and compassionate woman. Without hesitation she would straighten you out if she saw you going down the wrong path but she would lovingly direct you to GOD and support you along until you found your way. She was there when you needed her and would do all that she could to help and while teaching other to do the same.
She is clothed with strength and dignity… Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also and he praises her. Many women do noble things but you surpass them all… Honor her for what her hands have done and let her works bring her praise. Proverbs 31: 25, 28-29 and 31
Velina was predeceased by her parents, her sister Joan Thorpe, her brother LiSandro Thorpe and, her son Jose. She leaves to mourn: her husband Albert Marshall; her children Roberto Quinlan, Mario Quinlan (Myra), Renne Quinlan, Marlon Marshall and Charise Vidot (Anthony); 16 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends from around the world, all who will cherish her memory.