Marie Barksdale

August 10, 1923 - June 14, 2021

Marie Barksdale, Age 97 of Memphis, TN, passed away on June 14, 2021. Marie is predeceased by her loving husband of 40 years, James D. Barksdale of Memphis, TN and second oldest son, Vincent Barksdale. She is survived by sons, Jim Barksdale, Robert Barksdale and Don Barksdale, four grandchildren, James D. Barksdale III, Jesse Barksdale, Jason Barksdale and Brittany Marie Lyles. She also leaves behind her four great granddaughters and five great grandsons. She will be greatly missed by her family as she was devoted to each one and loved them all dearly. She was born in Dallas, TX on August 10, 1923. She met her husband, James, in Galveston, Texas and they were married in Brazoria, Texas in 1940. They would relocate several times throughout their marriage, sharing in the work and labor of the war effort during WWII. As James served throughout North Africa and Italy, she fought on the home-front caring for her own children and nephew as well as working for Douglas Aircraft Company as Marie the Riveter. They were joined in marriage until the passing of James in 1980. She, throughout her years, was an example of “a woman who fears the Lord” (Proverbs 31:10-31). She loved her husband all of her days, and her husband trusted and cherished her all of his days. She was industrious in her home and loved and cared for all of her sons. She had a passion for gardening, creating a beautiful home that was always surrounded by life and love. She and James enjoyed regular trips to their Mississippi cabin where they were surrounded by family. But it did not end there. The Lord’s grace shown to her was extended and impacted the lives of others. She and her husband, together, taught Sunday School to boys and she mentored young women in her church through the YWA and WMU ministries. This tireless volunteerism extended into the community in her work of many years with the Memphis Botanic Gardens, the Orpheum Theater, and St. Francis Hospital. She also had a career outside of the home working seasonally for the Internal Revenue Service until her husband’s passing and then transitioning and completing her career at the Defense Depot in Memphis, TN. She loved our Heavenly Father and “her children rise up and call her blessed.” The family requests that any memorials be sent to Baptist Reynolds Hospice House, Collierville, TN, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice. The family will receive relatives and friends on June 19, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis. The burial will immediately follow.