Peggy Joyce Marsh

Ms. Peggy Joyce Marsh was born on July 10, 1932, in Stamford, Texas, to Henry Marsh Jr. (Hezzy) and Isdora Marsh. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Stamford before moving to Odessa at the age of eighteen. There, she began working as a housekeeper for the Ted and Pinkie Roden Family. Years later, she joined Franklin Deaderick at Standard Sales Company, where she remained for decades. Peggy devoted sixty-three years of service between the Roden Family and Standard Sales Company, earning the admiration and love of all who worked with her.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Peggy was a devoted member of Bethlehem Baptist Church for more than sixty years. She served faithfully in many ministries, including the Bethlehem Missionary Society, the Pastor’s Aide Committee, and as Gleaners Chairperson during the Lenten Season. She also chaired the committee to repave the church parking lot and was active in the Odessa Citywide Mission Sick & Shut-In Committee.

Peggy’s dedication extended into her community and political life. She worked tirelessly to ensure her neighbors had access to the ballot, assisting with voter registration, providing transportation to polling places, and serving as a deputized agent to register voters. She was a member of the Ector County Democratic Party and the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats Odessa Chapter, chaired the Committee to Get Out the Vote in Ector County Precinct 4, and served as a poll watcher.

She believed strongly in building relationships and uplifting her community. Peggy was a proud member of the Castanettes Social Civic & Arts Club for more than sixty years, the City Federation of Colored Women’s Club, and a past member of the Black Cultural Council of Odessa. She also served as the Annual Juneteenth Celebration T-shirt Chairperson and volunteered at the Woodson Boys and Girls Club.

At the center of all her responsibilities was her love and devotion to family. Known affectionately as Big Momma by her grandchildren, Peggy was a strong, praying woman who never wavered in faith when faced with obstacles. She often reminded loved ones, “The Lord knows how to run the world,” and encouraged prayer in all circumstances. She cherished time with her family, especially her first cousin Billie Louise, with whom she shared a sisterly bond through church events, celebrating their birthdays, shopping trips, and long conversations.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, her children Zerlee Cooper Jr. (Spider), Evelyn Davis, and Jermaine Hodges (Ronnie Jay), one grandson, three sisters, and seven brothers.

She leaves behind her beloved cousin Billie Louise Sowels of Fort Worth, Texas, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, club members, and countless friends who loved her dearly.

Peggy Joyce Marsh will be remembered for her unwavering faith, tireless service, and boundless love. Her legacy of devotion to family, church, and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.