(Sept. 23, 2016 - by Harold Goerzen)  Marjorie Steffins, one of four children of Reach Beyond co-founder Clarence Jones, died in Monroe, La., on Friday, Sept. 16, after succumbing to failing health. She was 89.

Marjorie Ann Jones Steffins was born to Clarence and Katherine Jones in Chicago, Ill., on March 8, 1927, but she grew up in Quito, Ecuador, where her father helped launch HCJB, the world’s pioneer missionary radio station, on Christmas Day, 1931. The station is now a partner ministry of Reach Beyond.

After completing high school, Marjorie earned a nursing degree from Columbia University in New York City. She then returned to Ecuador to serve as a missionary nurse.

While in Ecuador she met and fell in love with Marvin Steffins who was also working in Christian broadcasting. They married and served as missionaries in Costa Rica and Uruguay.

Then they returned to the U.S., living in California, Oregon and Texas before moving to Monroe, La., in 1971. They had seven children, and Marjorie devoted her life to being a beloved wife, mother and homemaker.

Her children remember her for her joyful and generous spirit and desire to serve others. She was also known for her hospitality, encouragement and unconditional love. Marjorie established a spiritual legacy of faithfulness and commitment to the Lord, her husband and her children and their families.

“GraMarjie,” as her grandchildren affectionately knew her, enjoyed playful fun, cooking and telling Bible stories. She and her husband partnered as prayer warriors, and she loved to sing praise and worship songs with her family.

In addition to her husband, Marvin, of 60 years, Marjorie was preceded in death by her brother, Dick, and a son. She is missed by her six surviving children, Kathy, Beth, Jon, Jenny, Marianne and Daniel, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Marjorie’s sweet, strong spirit, godly example and contagious joy blessed so many across continents and time,” said longtime friend Molly Jackson.

“What a wonderful wife and mom,” added Dixie Hall. “She was such a joyful sweet example of a woman after God’s own heart.”

A memorial service is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 (preceded by the viewing starting at 2 p.m.) at Whites Ferry Road Church in West Monroe, La.

Sources: The News Star, Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, Reach Beyond