Rachel Scott Marshall

Rachel Melissa Scott was born on March 30, 1946, in Lexington, Kentucky. Her parents were Jack Jeffers and Alice Bondurant Scott. Jack had gotten an early discharge from the Navy in WWII, and Jack and Alice moved to Lexington for Jack to finish his college degree, on the GI Bill. Older sister Alice Joan was a part of the family, and other siblings to come later were John Jeffers, William Lee, and Ann Bondurant.

Rachel spent her growing up years in Marion, Kentucky, and Henderson, Kentucky. She graduated from high school in St. Charles, Missouri.

The family were active members of the United Methodist Church, where Rachel was baptized and confirmed.

Rachel had taken an early interest in music in her life, and she went on to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and a Master's Degree in Music Theory and Composition from Eastern Kentucky University.

Rachel married William Winchester James, and together they raised two fine young sons, William Scott James (Bill), and Edward Jeffers James (Ted).

Rachel was in her 40's when she answered a calling to ministry, following in her mother's footsteps as an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. Rachel pastored churches in Barren, Hart, and Metcalfe Counties, in Columbia, and in Elizabethtown, all in Kentucky. Rachel had the distinction of being the first woman in Kentucky to be appointed as a District Superintendent in the UMC. She served for seven years as the Superintendent of the Bowling Green District.

In 2001, Rachel married Larry Marshall. Rachel and Larry enjoyed many opportunities to travel in their retirement years, visiting many countries. They also did a fun quest of visiting all 120 county seats in Kentucky.

Rachel learned to play the Celtic harp during her retirement years, and playing with the Heartland Harp Ensemble was a source of much pleasure for her.

Rachel and Larry's 9 grandchildren were also a great joy in their retirement years.

Larry died in 2024, from metastatic melanoma.

Rachel's favorite scripture passage was Micah 6:8: "What does the Lord require of you, but to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God." These words were a guide and challenge for Rachel on her earthly journey.

Rachel passed away on July 26, 2025 after a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia earlier in the year.

Rachel is survived by her two sons, William James and wife Laura Goulbourne, Edward James and wife Hannah James; one step-son, Stephen Marshall, and wife Jan Marshall; nine grandchildren: Christopher and Nicholas Goulbourne; Silas, Luke, Claire, and Jake Marshall; Eliza, Alice and Ivy James. Also by siblings Joan Robey, John Scott, Bill Scott, and Ann Scott; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Southern Hills United Methodist Church located at 2356 Harrodsburg Road in Lexington, KY. The gathering will include visitation time from 12:00 noon until 2:00, a service beginning at 2:00, and a reception to follow the service. All parts of this gathering are open to all friends and family.

Flowers are welcome, but in the spirit of Rachel and her desire to put others before herself, donations can be made to the following organizations:

The Heartland Harp Ensemble

The PEO Sisterhood - Philanthropic Educational Organization

Wesley Hilltop House (Elizabethtown, KY)

Planned Parenthood

Doctors Without Borders