Mrs. Selma Salena Marshall

Mother Selma Salena Bell Marshall was born December 9, 1932 in Sharkey County, Mississippi, the first child born to the union of the late Theodore Roosevelt Bell, Sr., and the late Mother Estella Bell Reaves. Mother Marshall accepted God as her personal savior at an early age at the Church of God in Hollandale, Mississippi, under the leadership of her grandfather, Bishop Tobias Bell. Mother Marshall married George Ivory Marshall on November 29, 1953. Mother Marshall later joined with the Church of God in Medon, TN, where she served as Choir Director for many years, and has also served as a First Lady, Sunday School Teacher, Cook, and Secretary. She never found her hands idle and was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of God even in declining health. Mother Marshall graduated from the State of Mississippi's educational system where she earned her High School Diploma. Mother Marshall was a homemaker, seamstress and domestic laborer. She worked at Oakley Fashion and the Jackson-Madison County School System, where she retired after over a decade of employment. She enjoyed many hobbies such as sewing, baking, canning, reading, traveling, trying new and different recipes, listening to gospel music and singing. She had a genuine love for her family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement. Mother Marshall was preceded in death by three brothers, Theodore Bell, Jr., Charles Bell and Jerry Wayne Bell. Mother Marshall departed this earthly life on August 19, 2011. She leaves to cherish her sweet and precious memories to her husband of nearly 58 years, George Ivory Marshall, six daughters, Sandra (LeRoy) Freeman, South Holland, IL, Debrah L. Marshall-Scurlock, Wanda G., Treila D. and Jessalyn S. all of Medon, TN, Camilla L., Louisville, KY; seven sons, Dwight W. (Gloria) Ripon, CA, Preston L. (Lori) Corona, CA; Dexter A., Jonesboro, GA, Eric G., Vallejo, CA, Jarvis G. (Sonia), Carman S. (Kimberly), Jackson, TN, Markedus D. (Brandie) Medon, TN; twenty-two grandchildren, Kendra, Kamisa, Terrence, Jacquelyn, Gerald, DeKesha, Diandrea, Marsalena, Taryn, Shauna, Aaron, Torriah, Darius, Brandon, Nicholas, Sedarius, Samaria, Selena, Cameron, Sydney, Jarron and Brennan; twenty-three great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; six sisters, Delores Washington, Richmond, VA, Marva A. Bell, Chicago, IL, Willie Mae Jefferson, Jackson, MS, Dotsie M. March, San Francisco, CA, Geraldine Martin, Rialto, CA, Rev. Dr. Arnetha (Roger) Inge, Los Angeles, CA; five brothers, Printes G. Bell, Willie Vernon (Gene) Bell, both of Jackson, MS, Morris (Marilyn) Bell, San Francisco, CA, Donnie (Barbara) Bell, Glen Alan, MS, Terry Wayne (Debra) Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-laws Mattie L. Bell of Hollandale, MS, and Sandy Bell of Napa, CA; five additional sisters-in-law, Dorothy Marshall, Jackson, TN, Shirley Marshall, Memphis, TN, Ruby (Matthew) Jenkins, Lathrop, CA, Sadie Jenkins, Daly City, CA, Dorothy (Travis) Herron, Williamson, CA; and five brothers-in-law, John (Ann) Marshall and Herman (Betty) Marshall, Detroit, MI, Paul (Margaret) Marshall, Clackamas, OR, Robert Marshall Medon, TN, Larry (Jacqueline) Marshall, Jackson, TN; five stepbrothers and stepsisters, Calvin Oliver Reaves, Arthur Lee Reaves, Jerry Wayne Reaves, Rosa Beatrice Alexander, Gail Denise Richardson. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to cherish her memory. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Mrs. Selma Salena Marshall

December 9, 1932 - August 19, 2011