Visitation will be 9:30 to 11:00 on Friday, March 27 at Vine Street Christian Church in Nashville, followed by service at 11:00 with reception after service. In lieu of flowers please contribute to Alive Hospice 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville 37203 or Vine Street Christian Church.
Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Easterling Marshall was born on November 7, 1965 at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. She passed away March 23, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by love for family, faith, service, and beauty in all things.
Beth is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, John A., her mother, Diane Briley Easterling, her sister, Beverly (David) Caldwell, and her niece, Lena Mayo. She was preceded in death by John A. Marshall, Jr., her father, Prentice Roscoe “P.R.” Easterling, her sister, Emily Easterling Mayo and her grandparents Dorthy (Gordon) & Mayor C. Beverly Briley and Lesbia (Gross) & Prentice Roscoe Easterling.
Beth was baptized at Vine Street Christian Church, where she served faithfully from a young age. In high school she served as Junior Deacon and later in life as a Deacon. After marrying John the couple continued their commitment to the church, teaching kindergarten and first grade Sunday school, helping with Vacation Bible School and serving in the extended session program.
A proud Nashville native, Beth attended Otter Creek Kindergarten, Percy Priest Elementary School and St. Bernard Academy before graduating from Hillsboro High School. She began her college studies at Auburn University but missing home and family, returned to Nashville and graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Education. Beth devoted seven years to teaching kindergarten through sixth grade, a calling that reflected her love for children and learning.
Throughout her life, Beth was active in many organizations and service groups. From Brownies and Girl Scouts in her youth to high school sorority activities, P.E.O., Rotary programs, garden clubs and other service organizations. As an adult, Beth embraced opportunities to serve others. She had a generous heart and found great joy in helping people.
April 14, 1994, Beth was set up on a blind date where she met the love of her life, John. They were married on October 14, 1995, beginning a devoted partnership that would take them to many places and on adventures together. The couple began their married life in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Over the years Beth created warm and beautiful homes when they moved to Louisville and Shelbyville, Kentucky as well as Old Hickory and Dickson, Tennessee.
Beth’s deep love of sailing led them to the British Virgin Islands, the Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands. John’s love of golf enabled them to travel to Nova Scotia, New York City, Scotland and Ireland—although Beth never quite caught the golf bug.
Beth had a remarkable talent for making things beautiful. Whether through her welcoming homes, her garden or her artistic talents, she brought creativity and warmth wherever she went. She was also a talented china painter and delighted in creating hand-painted pieces that she lovingly shared as gifts to friends and family.
Beth will be remembered for her kind spirit, her servant’s heart, her creativity and the love she shared with all who knew her.