Flora Bennett Marsh

Flora Bennett Marsh was born in Monroe, North Carolina on April 30, 1938, to Anne and Jack Bennett. Being one of sixteen children, Flora learned the importance of family, hard work and structure along with care and compassion which she often displayed by caring for her siblings and later in her teen years when she was tasked with caring for her mother. Upon her mother’s passing and completion of high school, Flora relocated to Washington, DC where she met John Jackson Marsh. Shortly after courtship, John and Flora entered into marriage where she became a homemaker and later had three beautiful children: Timothy Marsh, Jan Marsh, and John Marsh Jr. Flora continued to display her family values through her impeccable homemaking skills and her love for the outdoors. Family time consisted of hiking with her children through Rock Creek Park and harvesting fruits and vegetables from her prize-winning garden. Because time with friends and family was of the upmost importance, she went through great efforts to ensure that holidays and family events were always filled with joy, love and laughter.

As her children became more independent, Flora decided to reenter into the workforce. She held several positions over the years, Administrative Assistant for DC Public Schools and member and Trustee at Florida Avenue Baptist Church, but in 1985 it was her position as an Agent for New York Life where she found her true calling. This position allowed her the opportunity to cultivate partnerships and professional relationships by networking with local business owners and politicians. Her knowledge of the industry along with being well-dressed, well-spoken with southern charm made her the best in the business, quickly advancing her career. Her clients and colleagues valued and respected Flora, making her an asset not just with the company but the community as well. After 20 years of service, Flora retired from New York Life in 2005.

Working for New York life was her passion but she never allowed it to interfere with the love and dedication she had for her family. At the time of retirement, Flora was not only a grandmother but a great-grandmother. She continued her love of the outdoors by pouring her knowledge of gardening, hiking and nature into her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Combining exercise with education, Flora would walk the neighborhood daily with her grandchildren pointing out varies flowers, their name and the origin. Her Green Thumb was well known within the family, with many relatives and close friends requesting her services in helping them start their own garden which Flora greatly obliged. The hard work, care and compassion she established in her childhood was evident in the bountiful and beautiful floral display she meticulously planted and cared for throughout her yard. Pedestrians would admire the colorful display, often stopping to take pictures and asking questions. A local newspaper dubbed her home “The Strawberry House” due to its pink exterior and the various fruits, vegetables and flowers neatly decorated the lawn.

Flora spent her remaining days spreading love, care and compassion through family, fellowship and, of course, flowers. Flora made her transition on January 6, 2025, in Temple Hills, Maryland.

Flora is survived by her children, Timothy Marsh, Jan Marsh and John Marsh Jr.; grandchildren, Ni’Cole Marsh, Tristan Marsh, Malcolm Foster and Malachi Foster; great-grandchild Genesis Adams.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Marsh; her parents, Annie and Jack Bennett; her brothers and sisters, Blake, Pauline, Luther, Craff, Atlas, Josephine, Randolph, Joy Lee, Peter James, John Henry, Nathanel, Ruben, Curtis and Rachel.

A visitation will be held at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, Capitol Room, located at 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20722, on January 24, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the same location from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. The service will be available via live stream at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26018527079232.

The committal will take place at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20722, from 2:30 pm to 2:45 pm on January 24, 2026.