Marisa Ann McKendree, affectionately known as “Reesie,” died unexpectedly at the age of 43 on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Marisa was born in Norfolk, Virginia, delivered by her father in her parents’ home before the midwife had time to arrive. She was a delightful child who always chased after her older brothers and loved outdoor sports and activities. In addition to being a top competitor on the swim and dive team at Norfolk Yacht Club throughout her youth, Marisa enjoyed water skiing, kneeboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, four-wheeling, scuba diving, and snowboarding. She loved spending time at her parent’s weekend home in Aydlett, NC, and she always had to have a host of friends with her. Her attitude was always one of “the more the merrier.” Marisa attended the Williams School, Blair Middle, Norfolk Collegiate, and Old Dominion University. As an adult, she was a freelance photographer, had her own spray-tanning business, and crewed on luxury yachts in Florida. She was a volunteer at the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, serving her community’s homeless and hungry. She held a strong interest in her American Indian heritage throughout her life and, above all, loved her children immensely.
Marisa is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Lois and William McKendree, her maternal grandparents, Ralph and Alyce Grinnell, and her step-grandfather, Solon R. Hill, to whom she was very close. Surviving Marisa are her children Sol and Ryu, parents Mary and William McKendree, brothers William McKendree and J. Christopher Ledbetter, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Marisa’s name to the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center in Virginia Beach. Donations can be made by visiting jcoc.org and selecting “Donate Now” or visiting https://tinyurl.com/y5t54pya.
A celebration of Marisa’s life will be held at her parent’s home in Aydlett, NC on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 4-8 pm.
For directions and number attending, please email the corrected email address at Marisa.memorial2023@gmail.com
Please wear casual clothes, come prepared to share stories about Marisa, and remember the kind and warm-hearted person she was, and will continue to be, as she lives on in our hearts.
Billy and Mary,
We are very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
George and Beverly Wilson
Billy and Mary, you have my sincerest condolences.
My sincerest condolences on the death of Marisa.
Sending love and my deepest condolences to all of you.
Billy and Mary, I am saddened by your loss. It is so difficult to lose a child. May all of your happy memories bring you peace and know that she is no longer suffering. Love you both
Marisa you were a ball of light whenever you were around.I felt like we could do anything!We we’re connected in a spiritual way and your memories will live on inside my heart.Rest with the ancestors until we meet again.My sincerest condolences to the family.my heart is with you.
I remember her love and skill for diving and her effortlessly cool vibe. She was a warm and kind presence on the swim and dive teams at NYCC. She always made me feel welcome as a younger member. Very sad to hear this news. Sending love and healing to all her friends and family.
Billy & Mary, my heart and prayers go out to you. Billy Small
My dear Billy, Mary and family-my heart and prayers go out to you at this time of loss. May the time you had with Marissa be a blessing to you at this time of grief. My condolences to all
Our deepest condolences for your loss.