Marsha Kay Skaggs

Marsha Kay Skaggs ("Kay") was born on October 21, 1959 and died at Methodist University Hospital on July 15, 2025. Kay was the beloved daughter of the late James Herbert Skaggs and Dorothy Hinsley Skaggs Vaccaro. She spent her childhood years happily in the Highland Heights area of Memphis, Tennessee, attending schools at Jackson Avenue, Kingsbury, and graduating in 1977 from Graham Heights Academy. She ran track, was a cheerleader and performed in school and church theatrical productions. Kay was a collector of antiques, an animal lover and a loyal employee, holding several positions in the Memphis area, including receptionist and office support at Rehab Etc. Physical Therapy practice. Kay participated in and won ribbons in equestrian competitions throughout West Tennessee and her favorite event was dressage. After a life-altering accident when she was 35, Kay continued to bless others through volunteer work with the Memphis Area Traumatic Brain Injury Association. She spoke at area schools and other groups about brain injury prevention, impacting many people to live safer lives. She was honored to attend National Think First Injury Prevention Program conventions in San Francisco and New York and received several service awards for her contributions to saving lives through her personal testimony as a traumatic brain injury survivor. Kay was a lifelong member of Leawood Baptist Church. The church demonstrated God's steadfast love to her through their many acts of kindness. She loved her dogs Spencer and Jake. She enjoyed crafting, watching the golfers from her deck, photography, old movies and going out to lunch. Her caregivers became friends and friends became caregivers. Kay was not afraid of death, and as a believer in Jesus Christ she knew where she would spend eternity. She often commented that she wanted the world to understand that in spite of what others saw as a tragedy or a life of disability, she in fact, cherished her life and considered each day as a gift to be thoroughly loved and lived. Her resilience, her vibrant personality, her gift of gab, and her positive attitude will be missed by those who loved her. Kay is survived by her sister Kathy Conley (Charles) of Centerville, Tennessee, her niece and nephew, and numerous beloved cousins. The family is most grateful for the many friends, caregivers, and neighbors whose selfless support of Kay enabled her to live on her own in her home with her cherished dogs. Gifts in memory of Kay can be made to Leawood Baptist Church Memphis or a charity of the donor's choice.