Marsha Jo Jessup was born June 6, 1950. The first child of W.C. and Doris Braden. A Memphis native, she grew up in Frayser and was active throughout her school years graduating from Frayser High School in 1968. She was also active at Dellwood Baptist Church, playing the piano and many other activities. She always enjoyed people and making friends wherever she was. She continued to keep in touch with many of these friends throughout the years.
After high school, Marsha spent some time in Jackson, TN working at the Jackson Hospital. Then, returning to Memphis, she began her career as a secretary for the Communication Maintenance Bureau of the Memphis Police Department where she met her husband of 46 years, Vernon (Rick) Jessup, Sr. Together, they have one son, Vernon Ray Jessup,Jr.
Marsha loved traveling with her family. Some of her favorite trips were to Hawaii, Alaska, NYC and out west. She also enjoyed many hobbies. Photography and painting were two of her favorites.
Marsha was also interested in exercise and the Martial Arts, earning a blue belt in Taekwondo. She attended weekly classes for many years. However, in 2013, her active lifestyle paused as she fought and won her first battle with cancer. Unfortunately, earlier this year, cancer returned. She fought hard and had a positive attitude throughout. However, on November 30, 2023, Marsha lost her fight.
She is survived by her husband, Vernon,Sr. and their son, Vernon, Jr. She is also survived by two sisters, Penny Braden and Kerry (Rick) Fleet; two nieces, Chelsea (Dylan) Phillips, and Kaitlyn (Rob) White; two nephews, Aaron (Kelsey) Fleet and Evan Fleet; and three great-nephews, Braden Fleet, River Fleet and Zane Fleet.
Flowers are beautiful and appreciated. But you may also send a donation to either The American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Marsha.
A gathering of family and friends for Marsha will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM. A committal service will follow in Memorial Gardens.
