In loving memory of Marsha D. Colyer, affectionately known as “Ma,” and “Al’s Suga Mama.”

 

On July 31, 1956, in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, the late David Anderson, Sr. and Rowena Deveaux welcomed their first born, Marsha. She was the eldest of six children born to this union.

 

When she was ten years old, the family moved to Miami, Florida. Her mother remarried Jerry Deveaux (Dad) and he helped raise her as his own. She blossomed into the vibrant woman we all knew and loved. Soon after graduating from Miami Northwestern High School and receiving her Cosmetology license, her life became a beautiful story of love,

faith, and family. For over 30 years she worked as an educator for special needs and disabled children at Kensington Park Elementary until she retired.

 

“Ma,” as she was affectionately called by almost all who knew her, met and married Albert J. Colyer and they were together for 51 years. Together they wrote a lifetime of beautiful lasting memories and parented four wonderful children. Ma was more than just a teacher, she was a caregiver to many children through work and within her extended family.

 

If you knew “Ma,” you knew she was the Queen of nicknames (Half, Hubby, Mush, Bugga, Boo, Brown Boy, My Boy, Grandpa, Chocolate, and Quarter) just to name a few. No one escaped being christened with a special moniker, filled with a special meaning between them and her. She was also a proud member of the 4am Prayer Warriors, where she stormed the heavens with her prayers and interceded for everyone. Ma was Al’s Suga Mama. Suga Mama doesn’t mean money it stands for the million things she gave of herself that money cannot buy: love, compassion, tenderness and understanding. Her love for Albert was sweet, strong, and unwavering. Family was everything to Marsha. She was everything to her children. Her grandchildren were the joy in her life and sparkle in her eyes. She was a jewel to her siblings and a devoted friend and neighbor. She loved cooking and washing clothes, taking care of everyone and just spending time with loved ones. She made sure each moment was filled with food and love.

 

Marsha was a loved member of Trinity Church Miami, under the leadership of Pastors Rich and Robyn Wilkerson, where she found joy in her faith and community.

 

On Wednesday, October 3, 2024, Ma went home. Transitioned from this life to their eternal home before her are: her parents, David Anderson, Sr., and Rowena Deveaux, and sister, Advira Harris.

 

Ma will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Albert J. Colyer; children, Brad Colyer (Nicole), Turquoise Bey (Rahim), Zeezorinthia Colyer (Jonathan), and Latonya Colyer; grandchildren, Mizpah, Symphaney, Rahim (3rd), Journey, Quincy, Elijah, Genesis, Brianne, Brad Jr., Bretrice, Shaniece, Brakiya, Brandon, Theo, Bryson, Braylen, Tatianna, and Abena; siblings, Felecity Anderson, Eleanor

Simpkins (Albert), David Anderson (Arnetta), Sharon Anderson, and Patricia (Don); dad, Jerry Deveaux; siblings in the Bahamas, her uncles, aunts, cousins, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and countless friends and neighbors.