Rachel Melissa Scott Marshall

1946 - 2025

Rachel Melissa Scott Marshall, 79, of Lexington, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Rachel Melissa Scott was born March 30, 1946, in Lexington. Her parents were Jack Jeffers and Alice Bondurant Scott. Jack had gotten an early discharge from the Navy in World War II, 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 and Henderson. 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 in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and a Master's in Music Theory and Composition from Eastern Kentucky University.

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

Rachel was in her 40s 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. Rachel had the distinction of being the first woman in Kentucky to be appointed as a district superintendent in the UMC. She served seven years as 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 nine grandchildren also were 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, and Edward James and wife, Hannah James; a stepson, 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 four siblings, Joan Robey, John Scott, Bill Scott and Ann Scott; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial gathering is Saturday, Aug. 30, at Southern Hills United Methodist Church, 2356 Harrodsburg Road in Lexington. The gathering will include visitation time from noon to 2 p.m., a service beginning at 2 p.m. 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 in Elizabethtown, Planned Parenthood or Doctors Without Borders.