Marian Alston

Obituary For Marian Alston

Marian Evelyn (Thompson) Alston, 86, was born in Cinderella West, VA to the late Clarence Thompson and the late Eula (Patterson) Thompson. The family relocated to Washington, DC in 1944. She was the eleventh of twelve children from that union.

She received her formal education in DC, then went on to work multiple jobs. She bore two daughters, Diane (Thompson) Washington and Tonya (Thompson) Butler in Washington, DC then moved to Harrisburg in 1970.

Marian worked at the Steel Mill for many years. Then she became a stay at home childcare worker for family and friends.

Marian married Samuel “Pop” Dennis Alston in May 1982. Together they were proud members of American Legion 713. She remained a faithful member even though she could not attend events. Marian and Sam enjoyed being together along with their dog, Jojo. She was affectionately known by her grands as Grandmom Jojo.

Marian loved bingo, crossword puzzles and her soap operas. She went back to work at the Neighborhood Center, where she was loved by all who entered until her retirement in 2014.

Marian was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Washington and her granddaughter, Marion Washington. She also joined all of her siblings, Elsie, Clarence, Alfred, Fred, Sonya, Leona, Leon, Joseph, Thelma, Harold and Memphis, in eternal life. Marion leaves to cherish precious memories of her, her daughter, Tonya Butler; four grandchildren, Letitia (Donnie) Clark, Sparkle Washington, Troy Thomas and Jaimer Butler; nine great grandchildren, Monai Washington, Taylor Clark, Meisha Washington, Mariah Washington, Levar Thomas, Morgan Clark, Michael Hite, Jr., Avery Washington and Aubree Garrison; five great great grandchildren, Jaquil, Amari, Rashad, Aarmeis and Me'Shawn. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Her life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 in the Chapel of The Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing and visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

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