It is with great sorrow that the family of Mary Jane Marshall announces her passing at the age of 84, on July 30, 2023. She passed peacefully with her loving daughter Dee Dee by her side. She was loved and adored by everyone she met. Her children, Bobbie, Dee Dee, and Susan were the focus of her life. The legacy of her kind and generous spirit, giving nature, love of gardening and belief in always "presenting yourself well," will never be forgotten. Mary Jane was a firm believer in second chances and never turned away a person in need of a kind word, thoughtful advice or financial assistance. Her generosity knew no bounds.

Born December 3, 1938 in Arvonia, Virginia, Mary Jane's work ethic became evident as she took a job as a bank teller and purchased her own automobile after high school. It was at a weekend dance where she met the love of her life, future husband, and father of her children, Robert "Bobby" Marshall and began their lives as a Marine Corps family residing in Hubert since 1963.

Warrant Officer Robert Marshall was tragically killed in Vietnam in November of 1968, leaving Mary Jane and their three young daughters, 8, 7, and 2 behind. Mary Jane forged on, devoting herself to their raising while also serving her community and its people in various ways. She was a member of the Queens Creek United Methodist church where she cooked for numerous events and causes including the annual Fish Fry and monthly Methodist Men's meetings.  She was both a Girl Scout and 4-H Leader and member of the ABWA (American Business Women's Association) where she was named "Woman of the Year."  She was present at all of Swansboro High School's sporting events in support of her daughters and their classmates.

She was preceded in death by husband, Warrant Officer Robert Edward Marshall, her parents, Ethel Mays and Orville Gregory, and her beloved brother, Chaplain Orville "Bunny" Gregory, who she loved to hear play banjo and sing.

Once her children were older, she took a position at Rouse's General Store and then Reid's Mart in Hubert. She loved working and chatting with customers where she was often referred to as "the highlight" of someone's day because of her warm smile and caring attitude. She also held a position at Cedar Point Grill where she continued her crusade of positivity.

She continued working until the age of 79 when she no longer needed to stand all day. She then worked full time in her yard and enjoyed attending church, lunching with friends, and collecting. Her only response to "How are you?" was always, "I'm doing great!"

She is survived by her three daughters: Bobbie Victory, Sandra Dee "Dee Dee" Creech (Lin), and Susan Marshall Slaten (Teddy). Eight grandchildren: Austin Hinshaw (Felicia), Allison Victory (Jake), James Victory, Kennedy Bennett, Tanner Bennett, Melissa Burke (Terry), Benny Creech, and Daniel Creech, along with eleven nieces and nephews.

Mary Jane will always be remembered as, "The Queen of Carry On," and leaves a legacy of perseverance, hope, courage and a never-ending spirit of kindness.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 6 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Jones Funeral Home in Swansboro NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or Folds of Honor at: https://foldsofhonor.org/