Rachel Ann Barham Marquez passed away peacefully at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson on Friday, January 3, after a brief illness. She was 79 years old.

Rachel was born to Charles and Arma Barham of Marks, MS, on July 30, 1945. After Charles's death in 1950, Rachel and her mother lived in several North Mississippi communities as Arma's nursing career kept them on the move. Despite these challenges for a young child, Rachel's intelligence and determination enabled her to graduate two years early from Cumberland High School in Maben, MS. She entered college at 16, majoring in Education at Mississippi State University, graduating in 1968. Rachel also earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Mississippi State in 1985.

As a Mom, Rachel’s pride of her children was evident to all who knew her: she displayed their pre-school scribblings next to their high school honors, and begrudgingly forgave them for their stubborn insistence on growing up and becoming independent adults. As a “Nonnie” (i.e., grandmother), this pride extended fully to her four beloved grandchildren Ada, Townes, Haven, and LJ. As a teacher at Lovett Elementary and Eastside Elementary Schools in Clinton, MS, she helped hundreds of special education students prepare for the rigors of junior high school.

Rachel loved her years at Mississippi State University. She put herself through school, working full time in the athletic department, while going to school part time. Her work there inspired a passion for all MSU sports teams. Her two favorite football memories were seeing Mississippi State defeat the Bear Bryant-led Crimson Tide 6 to 3 in 1980, and meeting Dak Prescott in a Starkville grocery store in 2015. One of her favorite possessions was a signed Victoria Vivians basketball poster. And (perhaps to the raised eyebrows of neighbors), she left no doubts of her team allegiance by ringing her cowbell loudly on her front porch when the MSU Baseball team won the National Championship in 2021.

In recent years, Rachel found a wonderful community at First Methodist Church in Richland, where she was a beloved member. She taught bible study, volunteered in the food pantry, and kept her friends on their toes with her sharp wit and knowledge of Old Testament prophets. Her church family, along with many dear friends from all walks of her life, knew her as a kind and loving friend who was always ready to help someone in need.

Finally, Rachel loved animals, particularly cats. Practicality alone kept her from picking up every stray cat she encountered. For this reason, the family asks that anyone wishing to honor Rachel's memory do so by supporting The Big Fix low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Richland, MS, or the Mississippi Animal Rescue League.

Rachel is survived by her children Amy Marquez of Jackson, Katy (Tim) Carter of Cambridge, MA, and Angie (Jerry) Carnathan of Starkville; her grandchildren, Ada, Townes, and Haven Carter of Cambridge, MA, and LJ Carnathan of Starkville; and her friends and community at First Methodist Church of Richland. A memorial service will be held at First Methodist Church of Richland (250 Richland Circle, Richland MS 39218), at 2pm on Sunday, January 19th. The family will hold a private interment service at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Starkville at a later date.

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