Marquita B. Bynum, age 69, of Rockford, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 from Spectrum Health-Butterworth Campus, Grand Rapids. The daughter of Gaibino & Emma (Bell) Lopez, she was born on Dec. 6, 1935 in Carson City. She was a graduate of Carson City High School and on April 26, 1957 she married Charles William Bill Bynum. In her death, Marquita gave the gift of sight by donating her corneas to the Michigan Eye Bank.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a step-father, Alden Greene; a sister, Joyce Lopez; and two brothers-in-law, Jack Bynum and Clinton Bynum. Surviving are her husband of 48 years, Bill Bynum of Rockford; their three children, Wrigley Bynum of Lake Villa, Ill., Wilson Bynum of Rockford, and Joyce & Ken Haywood of Sand Lake; seven grandchildren, Wrigley Jr., Corey, and Pearce Bynum, Justine, Jade, Karlie, and Jesse Haywood; two sisters, MayBell & Bob Stadlberger of Vickeryville, and Anita & Richard Hughes of Lansing; siblings-in-law, Louise & Aubrey Nichols, Eddie Bynum, and Shirley Bynum; and several nieces and nephews. She brought much joy and laughter to everyone whose life she touched. Rest in peace, Chaquita.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2005 at the Camp Lake Baptist Church, 12150 N. Division near Hull street, Sparta, with Pastor Dennis Tyson officiating. Visitation is tonight (Thursday) from 6-8 p.m. at the Brown-Teman & Christiansen Funeral Home, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the ALS Association. Honoring her wishes, cremation will take place privately at Myrtle Park Crematorium, Rockford, following the visitation.