Mrs. Marsha Ruth Eaves passed away peacefully on Tuesday December 10, 2024, at her home in Louisville, Mississippi, surrounded by her loving family . Visitation will be on Friday, December 13th, from 10:00 to 12:00 at Porter Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow beginning at 12:00 P.M. with Rev. Mike Childs officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, in Louisville.
Marsha was born on September 24, 1954, to Jack and Dorothy Shelton Johnson. A remarkable woman from the beginning, she graduated from Louisville High School in 1971 as Salutatorian. Her determination and passion for serving others led her to a career in nursing, earning both her LPN and RN degrees. For over 40 years, she selflessly cared for others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Marsha came out of retirement to assist her community.
While nursing was her career, Marsha’s creative talents were evident in every area of her life. Her impeccable eye for detail and warm hospitality made her a natural decorator and gracious party host. Her family and friends often joked that she had missed her calling because of the effortless way she could transform any gathering into a beautifully organized and welcoming event through her skills as a hostess.
Marsha was recognized for her dedication and many contributions to her community, including once being named Winston County’s Woman of the Year. She was an avid member of Baptist Nursing Fellowship and a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Louisville. She also participated in medical mission trips to Honduras, sharing her faith and expertise with those in need.
Marsha was an active member of numerous civic organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, Pilot Club, and Junior Auxiliary. Despite her many commitments, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family—especially her grandchildren—and traveling with friends.
Marsha’s indomitable spirit and fierce determination were an inspiration to all who knew her. A true warrior, she took on every battle she faced with unmatched courage and resilience, defying the odds and continuing to live life to its fullest for many precious years. Even in the face of immense challenges, Marsha’s faith and positive attitude never wavered. She remained a loving wife, devoted mother, adoring grandmother, and a fierce and loyal friend who poured her strength into others, leaving a lasting impact on everyone whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jimmy Johnson, her sister, Lynda Jack Johnson Yarbrough; her beloved stepfather, Fletcher Gore; and her mother-in-law, Willa Dean Watkins.
Marsha is survived by her devoted husband of 41 years, Richard “Rick” Lin Eaves; her daughter, Adrienne Mercer (Stephen), son, Joshua Goodin; grandchildren, Clay Mercer (Grace), Fletch Mercer, and Millie Kate Mercer; nieces, Tara Yarbrough Woodward (Jimmy), Ginny Yarbrough Deliman (Patrick); great-nieces and nephews, Matthew Woodward (Kristin), Andrew Woodward (Maci), Kaitlin Kennedy Albritton (Colter), Mallory Kennedy Schwartz (Connor); brother-in-law, Kenneth Eaves (Brenda), father-in-law, Hank Eaves (Judy); brother-in-law, Jim Yarbrough; cousin, Mary Snow (Johnny); and a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends, all of whom she loved dearly.
Marsha’s life was a testament to faith, love, selflessness, and resilience. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Pallbearers will be Clay Mercer, Fletch Mercer, Matt Woodward, Andrew Woodward, Colter Albritton, and Connor Schwartz.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice ,Dr. Ard ,Lady Bird Perkins Cancer Center, and Mississippi Home Care for their compassionate care and support.
Memorials in Marsha’s memory may be made to Mississippi Nurses Foundation , or to any charity of your choice.
