Marsha Ann Matthews Carlton was born on August 17, 1949 and passed after a lengthy illness on July 4, 2020 at the age of 70. Marsha is survived by her daughters Nickol Gallivan (Craig) and Shannon Conklin Vincent (Bobby), her sister Kimberly Goldstein (Mona), five grandchildren Christian, Justin, Devin, Ryan and Kaleb, 8 great grandchildren Trinity, Landon, Isabella, Summer, Aubrey, Arya, Sammy and Charli, and long time friend Paul Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents Fred D. Matthews and Annie M. Matthews Doman, her brother Fred E. Matthews, and her son Sean M. Williams.
Marsha was a native of LaPorte, Texas where she grew up on Idaho St. Her musical talent was apparent from an early age. She could play several instruments and was a talented oboist. She performed in every musical production at LaPorte High School, where she was also an accomplished twirler and drum majorette. Those were not her only talents as she would go on to collect national roller-skating championships, the title of Miss Sylvan Beach, the title of Miss Mermaid at the Houston Boat Show and the title of Miss Pasadena (competing in the Miss Texas Pageant where she received 1st runner up).
Marsha maintained a position as a senior accountant with Service Corporation International for 20 years. During this time she performed in a number of productions with Theater Under the Stars, Bayou City Concert Musicals and the Hobby Center for Performing Arts landing roles in Gypsy, Hello Dolly, Follies, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Chaplain and a touring production of 42nd Street. Marsha performed alongside the likes of Juliet Prowse and Anthony Newly, among others.
Marsha’s most enduring Houston gig was the multi-decade tenure as the beloved karaoke host at JR’s Bar & Grill in Montrose. She was a strong ally of the LGBTQ community lending her many talents to numerous benefits to help others. She was “grandma” and became the family so many needed in the LGBTQ community.
For those interested in making a memorial contribution, the family recommends Omega House Hospice in Houston for those with 6 months or less to live who have been diagnosed with AIDS', Bering Church in Houston whose “vision is to be a spiritual home for every person; a people of service; a sanctuary of love, peace, and justice; a reconciling, inclusive family for all persons”, or a charity of your choice.
Graveside services will be at Grand View Funeral Home/Bethany Cemetery, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena at 10 a.m. on Aug. 14. The service will be streamed live.
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