Marsha Leake Garrett

Marsha Leake Garrett, 79, passed away peacefully at Riverside Regional Medical Center on November 20, 2023.

Marsha is survived by her loving husband of almost 57 years, Clyde Richard (Dick) Garrett of Smithfield, VA. She is also survived by her son, Richard Coleman Garrett and her daughter in law, Renee Garrett, her daughter, Julie Garrett Rudy of Smithfield, and her son in law Kevin Rudy. Marsha will be missed by her four grandchildren, Brittany, Wade, Morgan, and Nick. She also had one great grandchild, Thomas. Marsha was preceded in death by her father, Charles Coleman Leake, her mother Alice Isabell Smith and her sister Judith Leake Rouse, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and pets, all whom she loved dearly.

Marsha was born in Newport News, VA and was a graduate of Newport News High School, class of 1963. She completed X-Ray technician school at Dixie Hospital in Hampton, VA. Marsha worked as an X-ray technician for several years and was one of the first technicians to conduct isotope scanning at Riverside Hospital. She later spent time working in various medical offices in both FL and NC.

Marsha loved animals, especially dogs. From birds in the backyard to her pets to her neighbors’ and families’ pets, she loved them all. She enjoyed watching television programs featuring all animals and watching happy videos of animals on a variety of social media platforms. Marsha enjoyed music from many eras, but always included 60’s classics for her kids and grandkids including Frankie Avalon’s “Venus” and Annette Funicello’s “Tall Paul”. It’s a sure bet that despite the wide range of ages of her 4 grandchildren, each of them would provide their own version of “Venus”.

Marsha always had an arsenal of snacks and treats ready for her family and friends. There was never a time when her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their friends didn’t get offered Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Twizzlers, or a variety of cookies or cakes on a regular visit. Marsha loved Christmas. Amongst her many indoor and outdoor decorations, she designed an animated and illuminated Christmas display village, which she added to and displayed for many years. Her family remembers the traditional “Virginia” things she always put out for guests: olives, fruit cake cookies, “little gherkins”, cheese straws, pimiento cheese and a variety of nuts. It may seem simple, but these items were comforting for every guest who stopped by during the holidays.

In the summer, Marsha enjoyed being in the pool with her kids and especially her grandkids as the years advanced. Marsha and her sister, Judy, as well as other family and friends, enjoyed various holidays and other family events in Matthews, VA. She always shared stories of the fun times held across the years with her family and friends. Marsha enjoyed socializing with many lifelong high school friends, as well as with her close friends from her many years in Florida and North Carolina, including members of First Christian Church in Lakeland, FL, Bethany Christian Church, in Lakeland, FL and Asheville First Christian Church, Asheville, NC. She was an active member of First Christian Church in Hampton, VA, both before moving to FL and after returning to VA. She enjoyed working with the women of the church organizing and volunteering at yard sales, working in the church kitchen and being active in the Sunday School program.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 11:00AM, at First Christian Church, Hampton, VA. The family asks that you consider a donation to the American Heart Association in her memory. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.