Photo courtesy of Lorne and Sons Funeral Home - Delray Beach
Delray Beach, Florida
Dec 12, 1934 – Dec 18, 2021 (Age 87)
Our dear wife, mother, and grandmother Barbara Jean McM. Marshall of Delray Beach, Florida, born December 12, 1934, in Sycamore, Turner County, Georgia, died December 18, 2021, in the Hospice wing of Bethesda Memorial Hospital, Boynton Beach, Florida.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, James F. (Jim) Marshall; her daughter Dana Lee Bathurst; son William DeFord Bathurst (Debra}, grandsons William (Liz) and Ian, all of Delray Beach, stepdaughters Debbie Edwards (Donald) of Jacksonville, FL, Charlene Thiry (Duane) of McLouth, KS, Dorothy Marshall of Pomona, CA and stepson Marty C. Marshall of Franklin, NC; brothers George H. McMurrain Jr. and Thomas T. McMurrain (Denise) of Boynton Beach; sister Marlene McM. McKay of Delray Beach and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara’s family moved to Delray Beach in 1935, where her dad George H. McMurrain Sr. (Esther) became one of the early pioneer farmers, using his farm equipment to clear the site of Bethesda Hospital. Following his death, she and her siblings sold the McMurrain family farm to the South Florida Water Management District and Palm Beach County for a water storage reservoir. She attended elementary and secondary school at what is now historic “Old School Square”. During her tenure at Delray Beach High, the school closed and consolidated with Boynton Beach High, becoming Seacrest High School. She was a cheerleader, drummer in the band, and Delray Beach Fishing Queen before moving on to Edgewood College in Westchester County, NY where she met West Point cadet William (Bill) DeFord Bathurst and married in 1954. After a 26 year marriage and nomadic life as a military wife, including a tour in Spain and two tours at the Pentagon (living in Vienna and Reston, VA) she returned to her hometown Delray Beach.
While working in real estate she met investor Jim Marshall and remarried in 1988. Together they successfully managed the Spanish River Resort (now Marriott Residence Inn) on Atlantic Avenue, retiring in 2000. With Jim, she acquired her dad’s ancestral home built by her great-grandparents Tom & Caty McMurrain (Big Daddy & Big Mama) in Sycamore GA where she visited with her many Georgia cousins several times annually. During these visits, she would attend Ephesus Primitive Baptist Church, founded and built in 1902 by her family in Shingler, GA. Just down the street from her longtime home on North Swinton Avenue in Delray Beach is Lakeview Baptist Church where she was a faithful member and spent many happy hours weekly. She headed up the telephone committee, keeping church members up to date on church news. She was known as a kind and gracious southern lady who dearly loved her family and friends. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” Psalm 116:15.
Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 10 AM until 12 PM with a funeral service at 12 PM at Lorne & Sons Funeral Home 745 NE 6th Ave. Delray Beach, followed by a burial service at 1:30 PM at Delray Beach Municipal Cemetery.
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Read MoreAunt Barbara demonstrated effortless grace, imparted valuable wisdom, and recognized all family as a life line. She always expressed genuine interest in me and Scott, and then later, Tricia, Brenton and Noah. It’s no surprise she raised Dana and Bill to have similar characteristics. We love you Aunt Barbara.
Brett McMurrain
December 22, 2021 | Delray Beach, FL | Family
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love her and miss her always. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and conversation we had. I will always remember your kind smile and all our conversation about the fruits and flowers of your yard. May God bring comfort and peace.
Laura De Souza
December 22, 2021 | Deerfield Beach, FL | Friend
She was a beautiful person. Although I didn’t talk with Aunt Barbra much, the times I did she was very kind to me. She will be missed.
Jenae Garey
December 21, 2021 | Fitchburg, MA | Family
Sending love and prayers to all the family.
Linda Watson
December 21, 2021 | West Palm Beach, FL | Friend
My thoughts are with your family. What a gift your mom was to everyone ❤
Tamara Duckworth
December 20, 2021 | Delray Beach, FL | Friend
I am heartily sorry for Barbara’s passing, and I hope her beautiful family peace, even through this trying time. Our mother, Helen Roddick Hartman, adored Barbara as a best friend and their friendship lasted all their lives. I never tired of hearing stories of those school days so long ago. I had the pleasure of meeting Barbara twice and I found her to be funny, kind, and filled with gentle grace. A person instantly felt comfortable in her presence. It meant a great deal to meet someone who...
Kerri Hartman
December 20, 2021 | Orlando, FL | Friend
The Roddick/Hartman Family sends love and healing to the McMurrain/Marshall Family in memory of Barbara. Her lasting friendship through the years with our mother Helen meant so much. Mom spoke of Barbara and all the girls - Sally, Aiko, Anne, Shyla - so often; the memories brought her great joy. We are sorry for your loss.
Shelli Browning
December 20, 2021 | Orlando, FL
I became a member at Lakeview Baptist Church in the late 90’s and became friends with Barbara at that time. We worked together on many committees during our years as friends. She will be greatly missed.
Sandy Pilcher
December 19, 2021 | Summerfield, FL | Friend
Precious memories
Yvonne
December 19, 2021 | Friend
