Marcia Beach's Obituary
Lakeland – Marcia Beach, 71, passed away June 4, 2016.
Marcia was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on October 23, 1944 to the late John and Nancy Gibson. From 1980-1985 she served as county commissioner in Broward County and was a senior’s advocate under Governor Lawton Chiles. She was also an attorney for Holland and Knight Law offices and a circuit court judge in Broward County. In 1992-1998 Marcia was an executive Director for the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, and was a member of First Baptist Church in Ft. Meade. In 2000 to 2012 Marcia was elected to Broward Court Bench serving in family court and Broward County drug court judge. She also established the Grandparent Adoption and Foster care program and was a champion of Persons of Disabilities Class Action to change services for persons with disabilities. Beach was also active in supporting the countywide library system, which was founded by her husband Cecil Beach.
Marcia is survived by her husband, Cecil Beach; daughters, Stephanie Buckley Stone (Joey) and Shannon Sue Buckley; five step sons, Stephen, Rex, Kevin, Kyle, and Quenton Beach; brother, Jerry Robert Gibson (Jeanette); sister, Phyllis Gibson Norris (Gordon); grandchildren, Zachary and Mallory Stone and numerous step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers we request donations be made to the Association for Retarded Citizens of Florida. A memorial service will be conducted Thursday, June 9, 2016 with a 1pm visitation followed by a 2pm service at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home Southside Chapel.
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