Marvalene "Marva" Hornbuckle

Marvalene “Marva” Newton Hornbuckle was born in Birmingham, Alabama on August 23, 1945 to the late Melvin B. Sr., and Annie Mae Smoot Newton. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Julius Hornbuckle and brothers James Sr., Melvin Jr., Earl Sr., and Alphonso Newton. She professed her love for Christ at an early age and united with Mount Olive Baptist Church of Fairfield, Alabama. She later joined Berean Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee where she was an active member of the usher ministry.

After graduating from Fairfield Industrial High School in 1963, Marva went on to continue her education and graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana with a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 1967.
Marva began her career as an educator in the Gordo School System in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Shortly thereafter, she married the love of her life, Julius Hornbuckle, in 1969. They made Nashville their home where they raised two children. In 1969, she joined the Tennessee State University family where she worked in various positions in Family & Consumer Sciences, Career Development Center, and Financial Aid Department. Her last years before retiring in May 2017 was Work Study Coordinator, where she encountered and touched many students who loved her dearly.
On Thursday, December 9, 2021, Marva entered into eternal rest. Those left to cherish her memories: son, Byron Hornbuckle of McDonough, Georgia; daughter, Kimberly (Brandon) Powell of Nashville, Tennessee; two grandsons who were the apple of her eye, Brandon II and Brennan Powell; siblings, Andrew (Virginia) Newton of Tampa, Florida, Laverne (Robert) Dawson of Birmingham, Alabama, Gloria Owens of Fairfield, Alabama, Ronnie Newton of Fairfield, Alabama, and Michael Newton of Birmingham, Alabama; sister-in-law, Jewel Faye (*deceased Earl Sr.) Newton of Texas City, Texas; brothers-in-law, Napoleon (Dorothy) Hornbuckle of Atlanta, Georgia, Lee (Carol) Hornbuckle, Jr. of Fairfield, Ohio, and Michael Hornbuckle of Pleasant Grove, Alabama; goddaughter, Sharica White of Nashville, Tennessee; special close friends, Barbara Jones, Valeria Whiting, and Gwendolyn Beasley all of Nashville, Tennessee; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will all miss her dearly. Viewing Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 1-6pm with family present 4-6pm. Visitation Thursday, December 16, 2021, 9-9:30am with funeral to follow at funeral home. Burial in Middle Tn State Veterans Cemetery.