Marsha passed away peacefully Sunday, March 14, 2021, due to the effects of lung cancer.
She was born March 1, 1948, in Rome, Ga, to Lilyan E. & Hugh W. Montgomery, who preceded her in death. Her older brother Patrick E. Montgomery and younger sister Eleanor M. Fowler also wait to welcome her.
Marsha never met a stranger. She talked to everyone that crossed her path and sought out all with a kind of uplifting word.
Marsha had a childlike delight in life and a contagious sense of humor. Flamboyant and “Sassy” as her grandchildren called her, she was always ready for an adventure. She photographed the world around her and frequently shared it through her eyes with her family.
Marsha wed the love of her life, Tom Kirwan, on Sept. 24, 2011. They enjoyed watching the birds and woodland creatures outside their porch. They spent quiet time together doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and games or reading detective novels.
Marsha worked in Customer Service for many years in Atlanta, Ga. Moving to Clarksville to await grandchildren, she was employed by Thomas Lumber Company, then by Dan Post Boots until she retired.
She was a skilled baker and cake artist, a talent she shared with her best friend and partner, Nita Phillips, as a side business. She attended Hilldale Baptist Church and for a time was a member of the choir.
Marsha is survived by her husband Tom Kirwan, her daughter Lilanne M. Smith and Son in Law Perry G. Smith and her grandchildren Rhianna and Peyton of Clarksville, her step-son Colin Kras and his wife Kim, and grandson Shawn of Texas, and her step-daughter Lauren Kirwan Arany, grandson Colin of Clarksville, and her older brother Hugh Wynn Montgomery and sister-in-law Millicent Wyatt Montgomery.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20, at 2:00 PM, at Hilldale Baptist Church (2001 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37043). Visitation will be Saturday, March 20, from 1 p.m. until the hour of service, at the church.
Her ashes will be scattered at a local garden she chose before her passing, as well as buried in her family plot in Rome, GA.
Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.