“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7 

Margaret “Marlene” Horkey, 86, of Elkton, Maryland, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 20, 2026. For a woman who spent her whole life walking with Him, there could be no sweeter homecoming. 

Marlene was born on August 23, 1940, in West Chester, Pennsylvania and later moved to Longwood Gardens, Pa. where she had many treasured childhood memories. The cherished daughter of the late Bayard Thomas and Margaret (Chambers) Thomas. She was the devoted wife of 67 years to Kenneth “Zeke” Horkey, who went before her on April 5th, 2026. Her family takes great comfort in knowing they are together again. 

Jesus was Marlene’s first love, and her faith was the center of everything she did. A longtime member of the Church of the Nazarene in Newark, De. where she raised her family and taught Sunday School for many years, planting seeds of faith in young hearts that continue to grow today. Throughout her life she was often found with her Bible open or her head bowed in prayer, and she had a gift for bringing the teachings of Jesus into any conversation with gentleness and warmth. She didn’t just speak about God’s love; she lived it. Marlene was a truly giving soul who loved everyone she met, and those who knew her felt that love deeply. 

Marlene found joy in God’s creation. She tended to a garden full of vegetables and beautiful flowers, and her yard became a haven for the birds she loved to watch and care for. She and Zeke shared a love of travel and made countless memories exploring the country together, especially the great American West. Pennsylvania held a special place in her heart; there she and Zeke built a home together in Potter County where they were members of Sunset Memorial Community Church and lived for 20 years before returning to Maryland in 2016 where she attended Faith Baptist Church. 

Above all, Marlene’s greatest earthly treasures were her family. Her four children were her pride and joy, and she was a loving, devoted grandmother and great-grandmother who prayed faithfully for each of them. 

In addition to her husband and parents, Marlene was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Thomas. 

She is survived by her children: Mike (Kathy) Horkey, Linda (Ron) Arches, Robert (Kristi) Horkey, and Carl (Colette) Horkey; her grandchildren: Michael Horkey, Amanda (Matt) Tomczak, Alisha Patton, Autumn Arches, Sevannah Arches, and Rachel Horkey; her great-grandchildren: Calvin and Noah; her siblings: Ellie (David) Porter, Ralph (Gini) Thomas, Howard (Jean) Thomas, and Abby (Bill) Dempsey; and many extended family members and dear friends. 

Though her family and friends will miss her deeply, they do not grieve as those without hope. They rejoice that Marlene has heard the words she lived for: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” 

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at R. T. Foard Funeral Home, 259 East Main Street, Elkton, Maryland. A service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Delaware Veterans Cemetery.