MARIE BITANTE, born on March 17, 1934, in Burkeville, VA, was the sole child of Mary Louise (Carter) Epps and Socrates Gibson. Raised by her grandmother, she grew up in a nurturing environment filled with love and guidance.

Marie's journey through life was marked by resilience and determination. She graduated from Luther Foster High School in Blackstone, VA, and, seeking a brighter future, moved north to live with her mother and escape the oppressive Jim Crow South. In New York City and Connecticut, she built a new life, embracing every challenge with courage and grace. After marrying and later divorcing, she successfully raised two children on her own, instilling in them the same values of love and support that she cherished.

Marie was very forward-thinking. While living in New York, she co-owned a dry-cleaning business for several years and briefly ran a small luncheonette. She later enjoyed a successful career in business finance, a field in which she excelled and earned the respect of her colleagues, eventually retiring from the William Carter Company. Despite the demands of her profession and the challenges of single parenthood, she achieved the remarkable feat of owning multiple homes, caring for her mother, and ensuring her daughter received a college education.

Though she yearned to complete higher education, Marie's love for learning never waned. She was an avid traveler, exploring multiple continents, collecting antiques, participating in her book club, and attending the theater — passions that reflected her refined taste and appreciation for beauty and culture.

Family was the cornerstone of Marie's life. She instilled in her loved ones the values of faith, perseverance, integrity, and cultural enrichment. In 2004, she moved with her mother to Roswell, GA, to be closer to her daughter and grandsons, where she spent her retirement years surrounded by love.

Marie will be remembered for her exemplary work ethic, unwavering spirit, and graceful beauty. Beneath her gentle exterior lay formidable strength, unyielding determination, and an independent spirit. Whether offering support in times of need or standing firm in adversity, Marie embodied a perfect blend of compassion and strength that carried her through to her last breath.

After battling a long illness, Marie chose to spend her final moments at home, lovingly cared for by her daughter. She passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024, with her daughter and faithful dog by her side.

Marie is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Louise, and her son, Vincent. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Trina, her three grandsons, Jason, Ethan, and Kyle, her cousins, George (Patricia) Taylor and Margaret (Leroy) Douglass, along with a host of cousins, extended family, and friends who cherished her dearly.