Marie's Obituary

Marie Elizabeth Bledsoe, age 82, went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 18, 2025, passing peacefully and surrounded by love. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Marie lived a life marked by faith, devotion to her family, and fierce strength. She was affectionately known as Mabeth by those closest to her, a name that captured her warmth and spirit. Marie dedicated 25 years of service to Kroger before retiring in 2000. In 1994, she married the love of her life, Joseph Bledsoe, with whom she shared 26 wonderful years until his passing in 2020. She is survived by her loving daughters: Mickey (Steve) Nelson, Sheryl (John) Pankey, Toni (the late Patrick) Clay, Dana (Anthony) Sanders, and Sherry (Danny) Nix. Marie was a proud grandmother to thirteen grandchildren: Beth King, Joshua Peeler, John Thomas Pankey, Caroline Pankey, Colby Clay, Andrew Clay, Caleb Clay, Victoria Sullivan, Taylor Sexton, Joseph Wyrick, Justin Wyrick, Jenna Kasser and Jill Beaver. She also leaves behind 20 beloved great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy and kept her very busy over the years. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Franklin Newman Sr. and Erma Ruth Free Newman; her husband, Joseph Bledsoe; her daughter, Tina Jo Leppert; and her siblings: John Durham, Gene Durham, Alfred Newman Jr., and Dwight Newman. A member of Mercy Hill Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi, Marie lived her life rooted in her relationship with Christ. She often said, "He is everything." Marie loved classic movies, especially Gone with the Wind and the character Scarlett O'Hara. She had a deep love for a game of cards with a friend, a sweet tooth for dessert, and a heart that overflowed with kindness and faith. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Forest Hill East Funeral Home, 2440 Whitten Road, Memphis, TN 38133. Marie's family finds comfort in knowing she is now rejoicing in the presence of her Savior, and her legacy of love and faith will live on through all who knew her. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Marie Elizabeth Beldsoe, please click here to visit our sympathy store.