Faye Marsh

Nina "Faye" Huffman Marsh, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, in Jacksonville, NC, at the age of 93. Born on September 1, 1932, in Richlands, NC, Faye was the proud seventh daughter of the seventh daughter, growing up alongside her eight siblings. She was raised in a farming family, where she learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong love for gardening.

Faye dedicated many years of service to her community, taking charge of the License Plate Agency in Onslow County and also working diligently in the Onslow County Tax Office. Her dedication and commitment to her work were matched by her devotion to her family and her faith.

A long-time member of the First Christian Church of Richlands, Faye's life was guided by her deep faith and love for those around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her home was a welcoming haven for family and friends alike, with her door always open and her heart full of love to share.

Her interests were many; she took joy in reading and tackling crossword puzzles, and in her later years, found pleasure in traveling, especially on cruise ships. Her impeccable sense of style was evident to all who knew her, as she would never leave the house without ensuring her clothes, hair, and earrings were just right.

Preceded in death by her husbands, Walter S. "Buddy" Mercer, a USMC Veteran, and Lt. Col. Carlton Talmadge Marsh, USAF Ret., she is also reunited with her parents Charlie B. and Annie V. Huffman, six of her sisters, her brother, her special son-in-law Jimmy Bostic, and her faithful four-legged companion, Maggie.

Faye's legacy lives on through her surviving children: Pamela McCandless (Paul) of Jacksonville, Joan Bostic of Jacksonville, and Joseph "Joe" Mercer of Jacksonville. She leaves behind a tapestry of love woven through her grandchildren: Jamie Bostic (Algah) of Franklinton, NC, Kristy James (Chuck) of Jacksonville, Jason Bostic of Boerne, TX, Angela Drye (Raymond) of Jacksonville, Ryan Mercer (Alaina) of Kennesaw, GA, Jonathan Mercer (Sarah) of Dallas, GA, and Blair Mercer of Charlotte, NC, along with her great-grandchildren Zachary Waldron (Briana), Nathaniel Waldron, Cole Waldron (Paige), Ava James, Jaxon Miller, Spencer James, Walter Bostic, Arthur Bostic, Meredith Walrod (Hal), Hillary Bowen (John), Charleigh Mercer, Chatham Mercer, Brooklyn Mercer, Cade Mercer, Grant Drye, and Morgan Drye, and great-great-grandchildren Orion Waldron, Richie Waldron, Bohdi Waldron, Alanah Ford, Harrison Bowen, Reagan Bowen, and Elsie Mae Walrod.

She is also survived by her sister, Annis Huffman Horne of Richlands, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her family and extended family will cherish her memory and the values she instilled in them for generations to come.

Services in celebration of Faye's life will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, February 6th at the First Christian Church of Richlands with Pastor Mark Reid officiating. The family will visit with friends from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, one hour prior to the service. Flowers are welcome, but donations may be made instead to St Jude Children's Hospital here : https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/fundraiser-for-st-jude-children-s-hospital/15373/ or to the First Christian Church of Richlands Memorial Fund here : https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/fundraiser-for-the-first-christian-church-of-richlands-memorial-fund/15374/

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the caregivers at Liberty Hospice for all of their hard work, care, and support shown to Ms. Faye and to the family while she was in their care.

Faye Marsh's life was a testament to love, faith, and dedication, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know her. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.