Viola Marsh

Viola Marsh peacefully departed this Earth on Sunday, January 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Thursday, August 24, 1950, to the late James Henry and Beauty Lee Gordon Sr. in Mansfield, Ohio, where she lived her entire 74 years.

Viola attended Mansfield Senior High School, where she was a member of the Track Court and excelled academically, graduating with the Class of 1968. She began her career at Thermo-Disc but later pursued her true passion as a Tax Preparer, a role she proudly held for 21 years at H&R Block.

Viola grew up attending Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, but after meeting the love of her life, Larry Lee Marsh, she became a dedicated member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. There, she served faithfully as a nurse and assistant secretary. Later in life, she joined Oasis of Love, where she served as Director of the Nurses Guild, continuing her legacy of service and faithfulness.

Viola was passionate about her family and took pride in raising her children, being their biggest cheerleader, in-house designer, and life educator. She taught them the values of hard work, discipline, and how to succeed in life. She wore many hats and touched countless lives with her generosity, wisdom, and grace.

Known affectionately as "Duck," "Chic," and "Vi," she was best known to her grandchildren as "Granny Duck." Viola was a true fashionista who loved to travel, spend time with her family, and she was a diva in the kitchen serving up her famous dishes (collard greens, dressing, and corn pudding). Her happy place was cleaning, ironing, and attending church, where she found joy and peace.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her loved ones, as she set an example of sacrifice, discipline, and love that shaped them into who they are today. We are forever grateful for the life she lived. Now you are able to rest -we love you.

Viola is survived by her son, Lamar S. (Rhonda) Marsh of Mansfield, Ohio; her daughter, Athena J. Marsh of Columbus, Ohio; her stepson, Larry D. Bishop of Hope Mills, North Carolina; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her sister, Loretta "Ratta" Cameron; her brother, James "Buggy" Gordon Jr.; four sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Adkinson, Annie Ruth Weaver, Bessie Marsh, and Jarvis Marsh; one brother-in-law, Major (Ret.) Ben Marsh; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Lee Marsh; her parents, James Henry and Beauty Lee Gordon Sr.; her three sisters, Leola Stricklin, Iona Hightower, and Virginia Horn; her adopted sister, Ruth Greene; her grandson, Andre "Baby" Bishop; five brothers-in-law, Danny Cameron, Johnny, Elijah "Eli," Eddie, and Willie Marsh; and two sisters-in-law, JoAnne Marsh and Bobbie Marsh.

Viola's memory and legacy will continue to inspire and guide all who knew and loved her.