Fearless in heart, dedicated in spirit, constant in love, and resolute in purpose—Betty Marshall lived a pure life lifting those around her with grace and generosity.

Betty Marshall was born to George Jones and Reba White Jones, in Nesbit, Mississippi. Raised on a farm with 14 brothers and sisters, the Jones Family was full of brilliant minds who desired to impact communities from farming to education, with a heart full of compassion and a deep desire to uplift her community through academic excellence. She graduated from Mississippi Industrial College, earning her bachelor's degree in education and pursuing credits toward her master's degree. To support her academic pursuit, she received a partial scholarship for choir and was an accomplished college student.

During a vacation with her college friend, Ollie Murphy, she was introduced to Hoyle David Marshall, whom she later married, and relocated to Flint, Michigan. Their union was one of admiration, strength, and shared commitment to family and community.

Betty dedicated 30 years of her life to teaching at Brownell Elementary School, where she shaped the minds of students across second through fifth grades. Even after retiring, her commitment to education and community service never wavered. She was known to hold all her students to a high standard pushing each youth towards greatness.

Betty loved the Lord. She served as the President of the Stewardess Board and was a dedicated usher at Dozier C.M.E. Church and served as the Usher Board Vice President. Betty was a member for over 40 years, and she remained extremely active. She also volunteered with the Flint Debutante program in the late 90’s, mentoring and guiding young women. She enjoyed helping these young ladies on their journey to success.

Betty was deeply involved in the Creative Expressions Dance Studio, where she chaperoned students and supported them in national competitions beginning in early 90’s. She also volunteered with Tapology, sharing her love for the arts and community engagement. Some would describe Betty as an easy-going person but those who knew her recognized her power. She was a fabulous cook and prepared many favorite dishes for her family and dearest friends including her infamous spaghetti and meatballs, chicken salad, and extraordinary pasta dish Rotel.

Known for her warmth, kindness, and dedication to helping others, Betty was a mother, counselor, and spiritual leader to many. She was a source of inspiration, embodying both strength and resilience while always maintaining an open and welcoming heart. She mentored countless individuals, encouraging them to keep pushing forward despite life's challenges. She was known to many as “Mama.” She loved soap operas, playing games on her phone (Solitaire) and she would Facetime her relatives and even use Facebook to keep in contact with all her loved ones. She embraced technology and learned how to navigate social media. Betty was resilient and fought against many bouts of ailments and always won. As such she was given the endeared name “Iron Betty,” a real-life superhero on Earth. She was the matriarch of the family embodying true strength and love.

Betty is survived by her devoted daughters, Carmia Marshall-David (Joseph) of Brooklyn New York, and Takiyah Jackson (Fred) of Grand Blanc Michigan; her beloved granddaughter, Laelle Jackson of Grand Blanc Michigan. Her loving sisters, Debra Kay Jones of Memphis Tennessee, Dorthy Clarke of Olive Branch Mississippi, Cleela (John) Power of Memphis Tennessee, and Remelle Dove of Memphis Tennessee; brother, Elvin (Mary) Jones of Memphis Tennessee. She also leaves behind four sisters-in-love and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends who cherished her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hoyle Marshall; her brothers, George Jones Jr., Curtis Jones, Harold Jones, Leandras Jones, Lonnie Jones, L.C. Jones, and Lee Loyd Jones; and her sisters, Verlie Masey and Barbara Rand, sister-in-love Ruby (Charlene) Adams, brothers-in-love William Dove, and William Marshall.

Betty Marshall’s legacy of love, fearlessness, and devotion will continue to shine in the lives of those she touched. She was rock-solid in loyalty and relentless in faithfulness. She was a refuge for others and now she rests in God’s eternal refuge. 

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