Venestine Howard Marsh

On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, the Lord called home His beloved servant, Venestine Howard Marsh.

Venestine was the first-born child of twelve to Wilbert and Martha Howard on August 11, 1937 in Camden, TX.

She was united in marriage to Henry Pinson, and to this union, four children were born. A young widow with four children, she worked tirelessly to become a registered nurse. She had a successful career that she loved for over 30 years and was also the founder of Marsh Personal Care Home.

She married Matthew Marsh of Caldwell, TX in 1978 and was a devoted and faithful wife, caring for him until his death in 2011.

As the family matriarch, Venestine, also lovingly known as “Teeney”, loved preparing for holidays to host her children and grandchildren. Family gatherings, making cobblers, pies and baking cakes warmed her heart. No one ever left her home without having their belly and soul fed. She was the family advisor, supporter, confidante, everything. She believed in and cherished family togetherness.

For over 50 years, Venestine was a devoted, active and faithful member of Greater Oak Grove Baptist Church in Northeast Houston. She was a member of the choir and enjoyed preparing meals for special events. In her retirement, she was an active member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, in Caldwell, TX.

Venestine was a beautiful woman, one of faith and prayer whose strength was beyond words. We will always love her and will miss her dearly.

Mourning her departure, yet cherishing her memory are her son and two daughters: Ronnie Howard, Gwendolyn (Patrick) James, Cheryl Stanford, all of Houston, TX; ten grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; five sisters, three brothers, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Wilbert and Martha Howard; husband, Henry Pinson; husband, Matthew Marsh; daughter, Benita PInson Thomas; two brothers, Allen and Lawson Howard; and one sister, Beauty Mae Jernigan.

“Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.”