Marjorie Elizabeth Whitehead Fachko

Marjorie Elizabeth Whitehead Fachko, 80, a long-time resident of Orange Park, peacefully passed away on December 2, 2023. Marge (or “Margie” to many) was born in Starke, Florida, on March 25, 1943, to the late Allen B. Whitehead, Sr., and Leoma (Dobbs) Whitehead. She grew up in Bradford County, surrounded by close-knit generations of loving grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. The home base of her rural childhood remained an important touchstone to her throughout her life. 

Marge graduated from high school in Starke in 1960 and – inspired by several aunts who had moved to the big city, she promptly took off for Jacksonville to begin making her way in the world. While working as a young secretary at Florida National Bank, she met her future first husband, George Q. Bishop, Jr.  They were married in 1962. Their children, Michael L. Bishop (Shane Thomas), of Atlanta, and Melodie M. Bishop (Brian Morris), of Chicago, survive her, as do her beloved grandchildren, Thomas and Mariella Bishop.  Marge was preceded in death by her devoted second husband, Charles F. Fachko, whom she married in 1976, and by her brothers Allen B. “Junior” Whitehead, Jr., Charles E. “Bud” Whitehead, and Larry S. Whitehead. She is also survived by her sister, Charlotte Durrance, and by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Marge was a strong, beautiful and vivacious lady, with a bright and ready smile and a gift for conversation. She never met a stranger. She adored and enjoyed her friends and extended family and she could always be counted on to bring laughter and fun-loving sparkle to any gathering. She was profoundly committed to her Christian faith and that faith guided and sustained her throughout her life.  Marge’s determination and resilience were an inspiration to everyone who knew her, and especially to her children. She was for many years an active member of the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville and, later, the First Baptist Church of Orange Park. She was also busy in her community, serving as president of the Orange Park Woman’s Club, a member of the Garden Club of Orange Park, and a founding member of the Historical Society of Orange Park. 

Details of funeral arrangements can be found at www.jacksonvillememorygardens.com

In lieu of flowers, Marge’s family respectfully requests that you please consider honoring her by making a gift to one of her community organizations or a charity of your choice.