Marian Juanita Marsh Jones

Marian Juanita Marsh Jones passed away on December 26, 2007. She was born on October 7, 1932 in Richmond, Virginia. She was the only daughter of Rev. Henry L. Marsh and Lucy Philips. She was the oldest of four children. In 1955, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Virginia Union University. In 1957, she received a degree in medical technology from Virginia Medical College. In 1958, she was chosen to be part of a group of Christian delegates to serve as U.S. Ambassadors to Japan. In April 1959, she married Cephas B. Jones in Baltimore, Maryland. They moved to El Paso, Texas. She began her career in civil service at Fort Bliss, Texas as a laboratory technologist. She was the supervisor of the Consolidated Troop Clinic laboratory, now known as the Soldier Family Medical Clinic for 46 years. The laboratory received many superior ratings under her leadership. She was also an EEO counselor during that time. Marian was diagnosed with Lupus in 1975. She became a member of the advisory board of the El Paso Lupus Association and volunteered at numerous heath fairs to inform the public about this autoimmune disease. She was also an avid patron of the arts. She worked tickets and concessions for the Gilbert and Sullivan Co. of El Paso for over 17 years. In 1994, she was a founding member of the El Paso Opera Company. She served as secretary for 3 years. She was also the major facilitator of the hospitality committee, where she served for over 10 years, obtaining food from local restaurants for both cast and crew during opera rehearsals and performances. Marian thoroughly enjoyed meeting the singers backstage in addition to attending the operas. Marian was a member of Center Chapel One at Fort Bliss for more than 40 years. She was in charge of the children’s church program for over 8 years and also helped with vacation bible school. Marian was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Cephas B. Jones and her brother, Harold M. Marsh, attorney/judge. She is survived by two brothers: Virginia State Senator Henry L. Marsh III, Frederick L. Marsh, Ph. D., two sisters-in-law, Diane Marsh and Peggy Marsh, her three children, Marsha Jones Watley, Jacqueline Jones Long and Michael Jones, her sons-in-law, Washington Watley, Jr. and Anthony Long and her granddaughters, Samantha Watley and Rachel Watley. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Marian was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother. She will be missed by all that knew her and loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the El Paso Opera, 310 N. Mesa St. Ste. 601, El Paso, TX 79901 or the Lupus Foundation of America, Texas Gulf Coast Chapter and El Paso Branch, 3730 Kirby Dr. Ste. 270, Houston, TX 77098. Visitation from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 3, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast. Funeral Service will be at 9:30 am Friday, January 4, 2008 at Center Chapel One. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast. Please visit on-line register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net