Marla D. Wardell

Marla D. Wardell, 57, of Lorain, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday May 5, 2022 at Fairview Park-Cleveland Clinic Hospital. She was born, March 11,1965 and lived most of her life in Lorain, Ohio. In the late 80s, Marla moved and spent time in California and Hawaii. She was educated in the Lorain city schools system, graduating from Admiral King High School in 1983. While attending Admiral King, Marla excelled in cheerleading, key club, band and track. Marla attended the University of Cincinnati and Lorain County Community College. Marla was known for her infectious laugh and beautiful smile. At the heart of it all was her love for her children and family. She enjoyed traveling and was a master crafter. And of course, her beverage of choice was Pepsi. She was employed at New Life Care Centers of America for over 30 years, where she ministered through serving others as an STNA. Marla was introduced to the Lord at an early age and was baptized at New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church by the late Rev. Cornelius Spraggins. Her journey with the Lord carried into Living Word Church where she joined the ministry of ushers and served faithfully. She was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita Wardell and Jessie L. Simmons. Marla leaves to cherish her memory, daughter Brianna Johnson and son Marlon Hatcher, both of Lorain; sisters Leslie Wardell of Yonkers, New York, Tawanna Simmons Wardell of Lorain, Annette Bland (Tim) and Yolanda Smith (Antonio), both of Cleveland, Loretta Phillips (Otis) of California and Marlene Simmons of Cincinnati; brothers Troy Wardell of Lorain and Howard Simmons of Arizona; godchildren Abraham Reynolds III and Erinn Roseboro; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Wednesday May 11, 2022 from 5 p.m.– 8 p.m. at Living Word Church, 2002 E. 28th St., Lorain OH 44055, where funeral services will be held Thursday, May 12th at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.