KINGSPORT, TENN. – Patricia “Patsy” Hart Marsh died unexpectedly on May 23, 2015, at Holston Valley Medical Center. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ken Marsh, and a daughter, Katherine Marsh Gibson, and son-in-law Jeremy Gibson, both of Knoxville, Tennessee; she is also survived by a sister, Peggy Hart, brother James W. Hart and wife Sara, all three of Asheville, N.C., and brother William Hart of Johnston, S.C.. Patsy was a native of Johnston, S.C., where she graduated valedictorian of her high school class and went on to obtain her degree in business from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, South Carolina, as the first college graduate in her family.
She worked at Eastman with growing responsibilities for 19 years in Kingsport and New York City, eventually becoming supervisor of secretaries in the Research Division at Kingsport. In 1977, Patsy resigned to become a full time homemaker, a vocation at which she excelled. While living in Longview, Texas, she was blessed with a daughter at the age of 44.
Patsy worked unceasingly in quiet ways to support her family and friends. She lived a long and honorable life as a consummate Southern Lady. She was first to appear at someone’s house with a home cooked meal for any life event, she loved Williamsburg and early-American furniture and antiques, and wrote many a thank you note to others for their kindness. During her life she travelled extensively throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and in Europe. In recent years she enjoyed many months of tranquil life at Pawleys Island, S.C.
We will miss her always but she will live eternally through the lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Waverly Road Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, the Kingsport Public Library, or to a charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday May 27, at Waverly Road Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Dr. Daniel S. Clark officiating. Friends will be received at the church following the memorial service.