Geraldine Lorraine Marsh

GERALDINE LORRAINE "JERRY" (BRADEN) MARSH, 94, passed on June 21, 2025 at HospiceCare at CAMC Memorial after a life well lived and having been surrounded by her family and friends. Jerry was a lifelong champion of animals and their welfare, she was an accomplished horticulturist, and she was passionate about her family, sons, grandchildren, and her new great granddaughter.
Born on August 18, 1930, in Charleston, West Virginia, Jerry was a graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School and attended Morris Harvey College. She was a formally trained dancer and worked as a reporter in the fashion section of the Charleston Gazette.
She was preceded in death by her parents Homer Dewey Braden and Leona Shipman Braden; her sister Marjorie Braden Trenor; her brother Homer D. Braden Jr.; and her husband, Don S. Marsh, former editor Charleston Gazette. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Clay B. Marsh (Gail) and Samuel D. Marsh, Esq; her grandchildren Dr. Rachel Kirven (Caid), Cameron Marsh, Matthew Marsh; and her great granddaughter Laine Kirven.
Jerry created a small business named A Plant's Best Friend, which she ran at Capitol Market and on her beloved farm in Mink Shoals. She sold plants, potting soil, beautiful flowers, cast iron statues and she followed this by establishing a landscaping business. She worked countless hours and rarely took a day off which famously induced her husband to quip, "Jerry, if you worked as much at a fast-food restaurant, we'd be rich." She knew her customers by sight and many became dear friends. It was a true labor of love for her. A special thank you to her friends and supporters who provided invaluable assistance both on her farm and in her home, Pnina Hess, Timothy Barnes, and Teresa "Tricky" Reed.
She loved animals and championed their humane treatment. Her house teemed with dogs and cats. She never failed to add a four-legged passenger when a dog strayed and she was quick to write a letter, make a phone call, or demand a meeting to remedy what she perceived as an injustice to an animal. In her later years she found great joy with her cats in overseeing the birds, squirrels, hawks and the occasional groundhog that would venture on her deck as treats waited for them.
Her character was marked by kindness and decency though her sweet disposition and affable manner belied an unwavering grit, toughness and resilience. She never cheated anyone or herself. Her life was well lived. She will be dearly missed.
A private family service will be held for Jerry.
In loving memory of Geraldine, donations may be directed to organizations she strongly supported: Kanawha Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier St. Charleston, WV 25311 (www.adoptcharleston.com Support page) or Manna Meal Food Pantry, 422 Dickinson St. Charleston, WV 25301 (www.mannameal.org Donate page) Please mention Jerry's name when donating.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.bollingerfuneralhome.com.
Bollinger Funeral Home 420 Lee Street, W., Charleston, WV 25302 has been entrusted with the arrangements.