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.
17 Responses
I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Beth for very long, but in the time I did, it was clear how kind and genuine she was. She left an impression that stays with you.
My heart is with you all during this incredibly difficult time. Beth was deeply loved, and she will be missed more than words can say.
Beth was a very special person whose life on this earth was beneficial to more people than can be counted. She emulated her wonderful mother Diane. She will be missed by all who knew her. With much love, The Brinton Family
Beth was a wonderful person who brought beauty and a better life to those around her. Thoughts of her will live on in the hearts and memories of her family and friends.
Diane, lifting you in prayer, surrounding you with loving thoughts.
John I am so sorry about Beth, not knowing her well but knowing of her through you tells me I missed a wonderful person
Such a beautiful person, inside and out. She will be deeply missed. For such a refined woman, she exploded with life, and could be the life of the party, the epitomy of the hostess with the mostest. A lover of life, animals and John. We all will miss her presence here on earth and will never forget her. She is with God.
My condolences to the family. Bless.
I had a pleasure to meet Beth through porcelain paint class about 2-3 years! She was very sweet , kind and funny! I will never forget her smile ! God bless her!
My condolences to her husband and all family!
Our deepest sympathies for all. Many heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all from us, Randy & Kathy Bryan
Beth was a gracious, lovely lady, who inspired others, and gave back to the community. She will be missed. May the Lord comfort her family and friends as they walk through this time.
Diane/Beverly, I am truly saddened at the news of Beth’s passing. I recall all the times at Vine Street growing up with you all. know that we are praying for you during this time. We miss you. Know that Jesus will carry you through this, He is always by your side.
Gat
What a Beautiful, Classic Lady !
My Deepest Sympathy For Family !
I met Beth four and a half years ago China painting. She is such a bright spirit and it saddens me that we don’t get to see that anymore. I always loved and teased her about her animal sounds. I’m praying God’s peace to her family. she will be very missed.
I’m so very sorry for your loss John. Beth was such a sweet and kind lady. I always looked forward to talking to her over the years. Prayers for you and family.
John, we will be thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers now and in the time to come. I’m sorry we will be out town during the time of visitation and the service.
John, we are so sorry to hear about Beth. She was such a sweet and lovely lady. She will be greatly missed. It was an honor and privilege to know her.
Diane, I’m so sorry I can’t make it to Beth’s service. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love ya, Mary Boone🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻