Benita Lucy Marsh

From a young age, she displayed a vibrant spirit, a kind heart, and a natural ability to bring joy to those around her.

She attended Pullman Elementary School in Richmond, California, before her family moved to Silver Spring, Maryland, during her childhood. In the suburban Washington D.C. area, she built lifelong friendships. Benita graduated from Mount Vernon College with an Associate's and Bachelor’s degrees in Urban Affairs in 1976.

Two years later, Benita took on the lifelong role of being a devoted mother when she gave birth to her only child, William Christopher Scott Morris, I, whom she adored from his first breath. Through a friend of hers, Sherry Lemmie, Benita was first introduced to Terry Marsh in 1979. Later, when they reconnected in 2000, they started dating and eventually married on March 3, 2007.

Benita's work life began after graduation as a real estate agent at Long & Foster. She later held various other positions in the private sector before pursuing a career with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for 28 years. She was deeply committed to her work, always striving to achieve a measure of justice and leave a positive mark on the world. She worked as an EEOC analyst until she retired in 2023.

Benita was a V.I.P. member of National Association of Professional Women, which recognized her excellence with an award in 2015.

As did her mother, Benita enjoyed cooking, especially during the holidays. She enjoyed listening to audiobooks and engaged in hobbies like gardening, knitting and other household crafts from time to time. There were Saturdays where she and her son, Scott would enjoy getting lunch and afterwards, catch a movie together. Benita and Terry would enjoy vacations in Florida where they found restaurants to eat at and bring back stories of the fun they had. Her love for her husband, Terry, and her son, Scott, knew no bounds, and she took great pride in being a loyal daughter, sister, wife, and friend.

More than anything, Benita was devoted to her family and friends. She cherished her relationships and was a source of strength, laughter, and unwavering support to those who needed her.

Benita was preceded in death by her parents, William and Dorotheria Lucy; and her brother, William Lucy, Jr., whom we take comfort in knowing welcomed her with open arms. She is

survived by her husband of 19 years Terry Marsh; her son, William Christopher Scott Morris, I; her sister, Phyllis K. Lucy; niece, Dorotheria Chae Manuel; nephews, Kenny Manuel and Shon Manuel; and cousins.

Though the pain of her loss is overwhelming, we find solace in the memories she left behind.