Marla Ferguson

Ferguson, Marla Kaye Marla Kaye Ferguson, 61, died Saturday, November 20th, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was born February 4th, 1955 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and spent her remaining years calling both Louisiana and Michigan home. Marla was a coach and physical education teacher most of her life. She earned a BS degree from Louisiana State University in 1976 and a MS degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1979. She had the privilege of teaching English and Physical Education in grades K-12 and coached volleyball and tennis at Southeastern Louisiana University where she later became Women's Athletic Director. Following her collegiate career, Marla moved to Michigan, where she dedicated herself to teaching Elementary Physical Education in Kalamazoo Public Schools for 30 years. In Marla's own words, "It was at Milwood Elementary where I found and adopted great family and friends. It was also where I realized that K-6 was the level I most enjoyed teaching. Watching the children move from grade to grade allowed me to observe the greatest measure of their growth and athletic progression. What a gift all of the children were to me! I do believe my students helped in my battle against cancer by giving me the courage and purpose to continue the fight." Marla was a remarkable teacher, mentor and friend. She touched the lives of so many and her kindness and generosity were known to all who knew her. Marla faced a long and difficult journey over the past eight years but handled herself with dignity and grace throughout. She lived her life to the fullest and did so knowing she had the love and support of her Kalamazoo family, friends, students and members of the Milwood Community Church. Lynn Chio and her family, in particular, embraced Marla as if she was one of their own and demonstrated a love for her that knew no limits. Marla believed that no one ever really dies as long as the memory of that person is tucked away in someone's heart. To all of her dear friends, Marla knew you would continue to keep her memory alive. She considered you all to be blessings in her life. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 10th at First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007. Visitation will occur at 2:00PM and the service will follow at 3:00 PM. Pastor Brian Seifert from Milwood Community Church will be conducting the service with Pastor Steve Charnley assisting. Marla requested all those in attendance wear some type of athletic jersey or casual attire. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kalamazoo Animal Shelter (2500 Lake St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49048). Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Please visit Marla's personalized guest book at www.langelands.com