To view the memorial service on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00amEST, please use the following link:

https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/122274

Marvina Irene Van Dunk was born on March 22, 1954, in Annapolis, Maryland, to the late Gertrude Parker and John E. Parker Sr. She was later adopted and lovingly raised by the late Clarence Mauldin and Catherine Mauldin of Annapolis, Maryland.

Marvina gave her life to Christ at an early age and attended her family church, Asbury United Methodist Church in Annapolis, Maryland. She received her education in Annapolis and graduated from Annapolis High School in 1972.

In 1972, Marvina met Marshall L. Van Dunk, who would later become her husband. Their connection began during their high school years and continued through the seasons of life.

Later, Marvina moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, with her adopted sister, Betty Ann Chambers, and the Harris family, Edward and Josephine Harris. There, she began finding her footing and building a life for herself. She was employed by Powerwheel Company and later by Scott Foam Company in Fort Wayne.

Marvina was blessed with her one and only pride and joy, her son, Carl Parker. She loved him deeply and carried great pride in being his mother.

While living in Fort Wayne, Marvina joined Gomez Temple AME Church, where she continued serving the Lord and her church family in whatever capacity was needed. She was known as the “official unofficial photographer” of the church, capturing treasured memories long before photography became as common and popular as it is today.

Marvina and Marshall remained connected through the years. Their friendship later blossomed into love, and in September 1991, Marvina married her high school sweetheart, Marshall. After their marriage, Marvina and Carl moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where she lived until her passing.

Marvina and Marshall shared many beautiful moments together throughout their marriage. They loved to fish and enjoyed doing hook rug together, creating simple yet meaningful memories that reflected their bond, companionship, and love.

Marvina was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She cherished her grandchildren dearly and found great joy in the love of her family. Her life was rooted in faith, service, family, and the quiet strength that blessed those around her.

Among Marvina’s favorite scriptures were Psalm 23:1–6, Proverbs 3:5, and Joshua 1:9 — scriptures that reflected her trust in the Lord, her courage, and her faith-filled walk through life.

Marvina departed this life on May 6, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, love, and beautiful memories.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Marshall L. Van Dunk, with whom she shared 34 years of marriage; her beloved son, Carl Parker of Indianapolis, Indiana; her stepdaughters, Stacy Harris of Bayonne, New Jersey, and Monique Harris of Plainfield, New Jersey; and her grandchildren, Asaiah Parker, Janan Parker, Tyron Parker, and Nile Parker, all of Norfolk, Virginia.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her siblings: Andrea C. Parker-Bailey and husband Robert of Annapolis, Maryland; Ward Parker and wife Chaundra of Pasadena, Maryland; John E. Parker Jr. of Baltimore, Maryland; Albert B. Parker of Paducah, Kentucky; Brenda L. Parker of San Antonio, Texas; Linda Kent of Annapolis, Maryland; and Joseph Parker of Annapolis, Maryland.

Marvina was also blessed with special cousins who held a meaningful place in her life: Lawrence E. Harris, Cynthia A. Harris, Paulette Madison, Allen B. Harris, Rae Sharon Davis, Janice M. Ridley, and Terrence J. Harris.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Phillip Brashears and Christian Brashears; her biological parents, John E. Parker Sr. and Gertrude Parker; her adoptive parents, Clarence Mauldin and Catherine Mauldin; her siblings, Joann Kent-Wallace and Betty Ann Chambers; and special cousins Edward Harris, Josephine Harris, Bruce S. Harris, and Phillip R. Harris, all of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Marvina will be remembered for her quiet strength, her deep love for family, her faith in God, her service to the church, and her gift of capturing moments that became lasting memories. Her presence, her smile, her love for fishing, her creativity, and her devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.


Acknowledgement

The family of Marvina Irene Van Dunk would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to their neighbors, Ms. Bonita Herron and Ms. Rosetta Tweatt, for their kindness, care, support, and neighborly love during this time. Your thoughtfulness has been a blessing to the family and will always be remembered with gratitude.