Marvel Lea Harvey, 90, of Troy, Missouri, left her earthly home on Friday, July 25, 2025, surrounded by family members. Marvel Lea was born in Troy to Marvin Edward Simpson and Alberta Lucille “Dolly” Simpson. 

Marvel Lea grew up in Troy, attended the public school system, and participated in community activities. While attending Buchanan High School, she was a cheerleader, Lincoln County Fair Queen, and Barnwarming Queen. As a young lady, Marvel Lea had fond memories of working for Mr. and Mrs. Charles Creech at Dixie Haven Restaurant in Troy.  She worked at the Lincoln County Courthouse and did accounting at Troy Motors after graduation. On December 26, 1953, she married Walter W. Ungering, and to this union, two daughters were born, Chris and Cathy. 

Marvel took classes at St. Mary’s College in O’Fallon, Missouri, from 1964 to 1966. In 1966, she and the two girls moved to Springfield, Missouri, and she attended Southwest Missouri State, earning her B.S. in Elementary Education.  She raised her girls, was a house mother, and worked in the college’s administrative office. During this time, Marvel’s Aunt Norma (Simpson) Montgomery’s family of Springfield helped make the experience feel more like home. 

In 1969, Marvel Lea, Chris, and Cathy moved back to Troy. She began teaching at Claude Brown Elementary. While working in the school system, she met and married Darrell F. Harvey on December 26, 1970. Mark and Marti were born into this union. Marvel and Darrell were married for 49 years. 

Marvel Lea’s parents and grandparents, Eldridge and Mabel (Harrell) Simpson, Henry and Christina (Beck) Kirchner, and many aunts and uncles, provided great experiences for Marvel growing up. Her family lineage goes back to the early settlers at Woods Fort, Old Alexandria, Highland Prairie, and The Chain of Rocks. Eldridge, Marvin and both Marvel’s brothers worked as linemen, bringing electricity to Troy and surrounding communities. As a young woman, she loved making and eating homemade ice cream. Her girls recall that she loved to sew, embroider, and cross-stitch. 

Marvel’s passion was teaching school and working with children. She had multiple generations go through her classrooms, taught Sunday School at Troy First Baptist Church, and coached the drill team at Buchanan High. Those who knew and loved Darrell Harvey probably didn’t realize that his success, in large part, was due to Marvel Lea’s support and diligence in taking care of things at home. If you truly knew Marvel, you also knew her opinion! 

As a child, Marvel Lea attended church camp and was saved by God’s Grace. Her lifelong commitment to living a Christ-like life and caring for others was a gift she used accordingly. Most recently, she described herself as a “homebody” and enjoyed following her daily routine in her own home. 

Marvel Lea is survived by her high school friend and husband of just over one year, Oscar Stepanek; daughters Chris, Cathy (Stuart), Marti (Paul), and son Mark (Denise); Brother Steve (Louise) Simpson; and sister-in-law Carol Harvey. Grandchildren: Tish (Ryan), Peggy (Ryan), Tony (Christina), Kelsey, Daniel, Alayna, Landon, Josh, and Andrew. Great-grandchildren Kylea, Makenna (Isaac), Quinn, Koy, Alex, Aria, and Trace. Marvel is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family in and beyond Lincoln County. She also leaves many friends and fellow members of Troy First Baptist Church that have been a part of her life for over fifty-years.

Marvel Lea was preceded in death by her husband, Darrel Harvey, parents, brother Gerald “Jerry” Simpson and his wife Donna; Brother-in-law David Carlise Harvey; sons-in-law Bill Webb and Michael Curtis.

Memorials – in lieu of flowers: Troy First Baptist Church Building Fund or Gideon’s Society ℅ McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO 63379.

A visitation will be held at Troy First Baptist Church on Saturday September 20, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00, with a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. also on Saturday, September 20, 2025  ( Service will be conducted by the family) 

Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook @www.mccoyblossomfh.com