SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Snohomish County leaders paid their respects for the late Ms. Marilyn Quincy, who’s impact and legacy on Snohomish County history will be forever remembered. Founder of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee and Snohomish County legend, Quincy passed away on June 4, at the age of 81.
From William P. Stewart Highway in Everett named after her great grandfather — a Black Civil War veteran who fought for the Union Army and was part of the Illinois 29th Colored Infantry; to the Civil War memorial in Snohomish also honoring Stewart; to the county’s annual Nubian Jam event; to the Marilyn Quincy Community Center in Marysville; to the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee (SCBHC); to the way the Everett Public Library assembles its historical archives, Quincy has had a tremendous impact on shaping the area since her family first settled here in the 1880s before Washington was a state.
Several Snohomish County leaders issued the following statements regarding Ms. Quincy’s life, legacy, and contribution to Washington state history:
“Marilyn Quincy lived a life of purpose, compassion and service,” said Mayor Cassie Franklin. “Her passing is a great loss, not only to those who knew her personally but to the entire Everett community. Marilyn’s story is woven into the fabric of our city, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who work for a better, more just and inclusive future. She will be missed.”
“Marilyn Quincy was an essential ingredient to the celebration and inclusion of African Americans in Snohomish County. Her consistency, wisdom, and love made her an unbelievably valuable elder in the community. We all loved and respected her, and carried her guidance forward to make the annual Nubian Jam Festival in Everett the long running community building event that it has been for decades. With her passing the community will have to find a miracle worker to even come close to making the impact that she did. We will miss you Ms. Quincy. I will miss you Ms. Quincy,” said Mukilteo Councilman Louis Harris.
“Snohomish County is blessed to have had Ms. Quincy as one of our champions of equity and justice. Her influence lives on through the many educators and activists who have directly experienced her servant-leadership and been inspired by her example,” said Dr. Steve Woodard, Mountlake Terrace City Councilman and Vice President of Community Engagement for Volunteers of America.
“The sudden Passing of Ms. Quincy was a shock and huge loss for the Black community, and larger Snohomish County community members who knew her well. She made the county a better place than she found it,” said NAACP President John Agyapong. “Her tireless commitment to all things righteous was evident in the work she did with the NAACP, the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee, and many other organizations. She will be missed. May she rest in perfect peace.”
“Your selfless service and extraordinary contributions have left a profound and lasting impact on our community. You helped shape a brighter, more hopeful future for generations to come. Though your passing leaves a great void, one that cannot be filled—we remain deeply grateful for the time God allowed us to share with you,” said DanVonique Reed with the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
