Johnnie Ruth Marsh, 91, of Acworth, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2018.
Johnnie was born in the rural community of Menlo, Ga. She married Allen Marsh. After the death of her husband she began working as a domestic housekeeper. She was a loyal and trusted employee to the Meacham, Schultz and Naylor families for more than 40 years. She enjoyed a strong work ethic that gained her a sole source cleaning contract with Chattanooga Federal Bank.
She loved poetry and accepted every opportunity to recite a poem. She had a poem ready for every occasion. Her favorite poems were When Malindy Sings by Ralph Lawrence Dunbar and The Nature of God by Theophilus of Antioch. Her hobbies were gardening, baking, and sewing. She was blessed with the gift of laughter; she was funny, quick, and sharp witted. She adored her friends and spent many weekends on senior bus trips. Upon her arrival everyone on the bus would cheer and make every effort to sit near her. She was always the last to board the bus making a grand entrance.
Johnnie was an asset to her neighborhood, an active member of the Fort Wood community and a Christian disciple. She was a life long member of Alleyne Memorial AME Zion Church. She served on various ministries; Usher Board President, delegate and host to Annual Conferences, Secretary of Sunday School, Chairman of the Building Finance Committee, and President of the Women’s Missionary Society.
Her beauty and charm was a camouflage for her strength and determination. She was strong, a woman of her slender statue but brave and fearless beyond reproach. She believed in standing up for righteousness and was relentless in prayer. She deeply cherished her family, friends, and community. Johnnie had a unique way to encourage, support, and enrich everyone around her.
She was preceded in death by: husband, Allen Marsh; mother, Tillie Williams and beloved grandparents, John and Elizabeth Nicholson. Left to cherish her loving memory are two daughters; Adrienne Marsh and Beryl Marsh Williams; four grandchildren; Johnny A. Marsh, Andrea King, D’Von J. Maples Sr. and Terrica Price, seven great-grandchildren, one great great-grandchild, nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 12 p.m. in the Advantage Funeral Home Chapel at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 1724 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404.
Please visit www.advantagefunerals.com.