Marlene Deshields Obituary (1952 - 2025)

Marleen Elizabeth DeShields, age 73, of Clementon, New Jersey, entered eternal rest on November 16, 2025. Born on March 16, 1952 in Federalsburg, Maryland, she was the daughter of Amanda DeShields and James Johns. She was educated in the Moorsetown , New Jersey school district. Although she did not graduate, she carried a lifetime of lived wisdom, strength, and understanding that shaped everyone blessed to know her. Throughout her life, Marleen worked as an environmental specialist at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. She faithfully served for over 30 years, and through dedication and excellence she became the Team Lead, guiding her department with grace and gillity and always giving her very best. She enjoyed the simple, creative joys of life — crocheting, scrapbooking, and traveling with her friend Sheila. Marleen carried a nurturing spirit, the kind that wrapped around you even when she wasn’t trying. She wasn’t one to be surrounded by many people, but she loved people hard. If you were ever around her, she gave you something — a truth, a moment, a laugh, a lesson — and she left a lasting impression that stayed with you. Marleen was preceded in death by her parents Amanda DeShields and James Johns; her sister MaryAnn DeShields; and her brothers Calvin DeShields, James Johns, and John Johns. She leaves to cherish her memory: • Children: James DeShields, Gerome DeShields and M’Shulanda DeShields • A beautiful host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved her deeply • Siblings: Gladys Johns, Patricia Johns, Joseph Johns, and Bonnie Johns • A wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory