MARY LEE MARSH's Obituary
Mary Marsh, or “May Lee,” as she was affectionately called by all of her friends and relatives, was born on June 18, 1930 in Whitehouse, Texas. Her mom was Jewel Session and her father was A.D. Woodard.Mary grew up on a working farm in a loving household with 4 generations providing guidance for a life that would be well lived. She attended Stanton Elementary and High Schools, eventually graduating from Emmitt Scott High School. When she was 16 years old, her brother Bennie arrived. Over the years Mary assumed the role of disciplinarian for Bennie and had no problem threatening him with bodily harm if he ventured off track from his studies and behavior. She loved him dearly. In 1948, Mary’s only child Myra was born, making it a five generation household. She loved her dearly.In 1953, she met and married Emery Marsh. They loved each other, enjoyed their work, families, friends, music, dancing, entertaining and church. Emery attended Mary’s church on the 2nd and 4th Sundays and Mary attended Emery’s church on alternate Sundays. She and Emery helped raise their only Grandson, LaGerald Norman, who was the apple of their eye. They enjoyed a very balanced life together until Emery’s untimely death in 1978.Mary worked in the manufacturing industry making faucets, in the School District as a cook and in Health Care as a Nurse’s Assistant. But her most rewarding occupation was that of caregiver. She cared for her Great Aunt Haley, Her Grandmother Susie, and her husband, and her own mother Jewel until their deaths.Mary had a “green thumb” and always had the prettiest plants in the neighborhood. She loved her flowers and enjoyed them while she lived. They brought her so much joy. She was funny and enjoyed telling her family the latest jokes that she had learned at work. Mary would often arrive home after her evening shift, wake them up and tell jokes for a while before allowing them to go back to sleep. She enjoyed decorating her home, needlepoint, quilting, painting, and her many, many friends.In 1991, Mary’s life took a different turn. This time she would need care herself. While she was caring for her mother, Mary suffered a major stroke that would render partial paralysis and confine her to a wheel chair and need for assistance for the remainder of her life. She was relocated to California with her daughter and son-in-law. She lived with them for 5 years, but wanted her independence. In 1998, she was able to move into her own Assisted Living apartment. She connected with new friends at the building and at her senior daycare program. She even reconnected and stayed in phone contact with her Texas friends until, sadly, they all passed away. Yes, she lived a full, remarkable life, but as the years passed and her frailty increased it became apparent that she was ready to go home to her Heavenly Father. She is now at peace and enjoying the company of those who left before her. She is also probably making someone laugh with another joke.She leaves to celebrate her life, daughter and son-in-law Myra and William Callaway, grandson La Gerald Norman, brother Bennie Muse, nieces, nephews, and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of MARY?
What’s a lesson you learned from MARY?
Share a story where MARY's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with MARY you’ll never forget.
How did MARY make you smile?