MARLENE LORRAINE AIKENS – Obituary
Marlene Lorraine Aikens (née Jones), a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished Nana, and selfless community servant, peacefully departed this life on March 29, 2025, surrounded by family, friends, and her pastor, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. Born on October 28, 1956, to Robert E. Jones Sr. and Cleole W. Blunt, Marlene was a beacon of kindness and generosity to all who knew her.
Marlene graduated from Delsea Regional High School in 1975. She took classes at Gloucester County College and earned her cosmetology degree from Vineland Beauty Academy. On August 2, 1975, she married the love of her life, Rudolph Roland Aikens Jr., and together they built a home filled with warmth, faith, and unwavering love. Their son, Rudolph Roland Aikens III, along with his wife Leslie, blessed them with two beautiful grandchildren, Rudolph R. Aikens IV and Leeya Lorraine Mae Aikens, whom Marlene adored beyond measure.
Marlene retired from the Vineland Developmental Center after years of dedication and care to those in need. She had a heart for service, dedicating over 20 years to fostering both special needs adults and boys aged 8-16, providing them with love, guidance, and a stable home.
Her passion for community service was immeasurable, with over 35 years of commitment to the Newfield Terrace Community Center. She served in numerous roles, including maintenance manager, youth mentor, and coordinator of the food pantry. Later in life, she became an integral member of the NTCC senior group, continuing her service and leadership.
Marlene was a woman of strong faith and conviction, actively involved in several organizations, including the Sisters of Diamonds and Pearls, Edgarton Christian Academy Grandparents Association, NTCC Senior Group Advisory, Salvation Army, and Holiday with a Hero. She lived a life marked by compassion, always striving to uplift others and preserve their most cherished memories.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Rudy, and his wife Leslie; grandchildren, Rudolph and Leeya Aikens; father, Robert Jones Sr.; siblings, Robin Holmes and Robert Jones Jr.; sister-in-law, Sheila Aikens; nieces and nephews, Melvin, Maya, and Jaxson Holmes, Gregory (Monique) Aikens, Edna Aikens, and Marquita Thompson; and extended family, Christopher and Caleah Upchurch.
A devoted wife, mother, Nana, daughter, sister, cousin, friend, and tireless advocate for others, Marlene leaves behind an indelible impact on the lives she touched. Her kind heart, warm smile, and unwavering dedication to helping others will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Rest in peace, Marlene. Your love and light will shine on in our hearts forever. Viewing & Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 11th, 2025 from 9AM to 11AM at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1837 Northeast Blvd, Vineland, NJ 08360 – Funeral Service from 11AM to 12:15PM. Burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, 182 S. Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ. Arrangements under the direction of Edwards & Son Funeral Home, Bridgeton, NJ.