Marsha Bledsoe

Marsha Bledsoe, 62, of rural Tamms, died Sunday, July 24, 2022, at her home following an extended illness.

She was born on July 3, 1960, the daughter of Charles J. and Emma Dell Bennett. 

She spent her early years growing up in Pulaski County in the Spencer Heights and Villa Ridge neighborhoods. She attended grade school at Thistlewood School in Mounds and middle school at Titus School in Mounds. 

In 1974 her family moved to Tamms and she spent her high school years at Egyptian High School, where she graduated in 1978. 

In 1980 she graduated from Cape Business College with a degree as a legal secretary.

On June 7, 1980, she married Lex Bledsoe. To this union, two sons were born: Brandon Allen in 1984 and Blake Andrew in 1992. Her two boys were her pride and joy and the light of her life. 

She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was an honest, cheerful, caring person with a great sense of humor. She never talked about people negatively and was a friend to anyone in need. 

Mrs. Bledsoe held several secretarial positions during her working career. She worked as a legal secretary, was office manager for Bulk Service Co. (now ADM grain) and held various other secretarial positions until health problems forced her to quit working. 

She also worked with her father in the real estate business for many years and worked with her father, husband and uncle, Jack Bennett in the auction business for many years. 

She attended the First Baptist Church in Tamms. She loved people, animals, frogs and turtles. She enjoyed collecting antiques and knick knacks, listening to music and wading in creeks. She was somewhat of a packrat but in a good way. 

She liked being in the country, taking drives and travelling. Over the years she was able to take many trips with her family and her husband. She was always cheerful and had fun wherever she went and whoever she was with.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years; her sons Brandon (Mandi Clover) of Olive Branch and Blake (Liz Hartman) of Carbondale; her mother, Emma Dell Bennett; two brothers, Roger Bennett of Tamms and Edward G. (Deana) Bennett of rural Mounds; a sister-in-law, Cynthia Adams of Cape Girardeau; a brother-in-law, Kim Bledsoe of Olive Branch; nieces Bridgett Wheeler of Cape Girardeau and Tiffany Adams of Elco; and a nephew, Seth Bennett of Tamms. 

She is also survived by her dear friends and soul sisters, Mary Ellen Schlamer and Karen Worthington, who were with her until the end; 

Survivors also include many cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. She also leaves her beloved dog, Roxy.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Bennett; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Bernice Bledsoe; a sister-in-law, Jackie Bledsoe; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was loved by everyone who knew her.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 28, at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, with the Rev. Bob Kirby officiating. Interment was in Olive Branch Cemetery. Food was served at the Olive Branch Community Building following the services.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the Shriners Hospital or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms was in charge of arrangements.