Share a Memory:
Upon submitting your memory, please refresh your page to view your condolences.
Condolences:
Dr. Pennissi Taylor-Morris
Our deepest sympathy, to Natalie and all who knew Marsha, and condolences. We were blessed to know Marsha in Brownwood, Texas when she completed her internship in Psychology. Marsha was always willing to help anyone. She went above and beyond in every aspect of her professional and personal life. Our world was a better place having known her.
Randall and Merimar Piacentini
We are saddened by the news of her passing. Marsha was a strong and wise woman of faith. She had a beautiful servant’s heart. She left her mark in the Hispanic church and our hearts. We will miss her.
Rodolfo & Luz Tapia
We are deeply sorry for the passing of Mrs. Marsha. We got to know her for the enthusiastic of learning Spanish, then she attended the Sunday services with her daughter Natalie in our church in Virginia Beach, VA. She is with our Lord now, she anticipated to us. We pray for Natalie that God will be with her during this difficult time, and provide strength for her life always. We love you, and God bless you.
Richard Antongeorgi
Haven has gained a wonderful person and we will have the blessing to see you again.
Dr. Marsha Thrift Simmons
2026-01-14
As Jesus said in Matthew 5:8 (KJV), “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Dr. Marsha Dale Thrift Simmons, Psy.D., M.Ed., M.A. was “pure in heart” from the day she entered this world on January 18, 1953 to the day she went home to be with the Lord on January 14, 2026.
As she used to say, “from a tiny little thing,” she “wanted to know about God.” She would stand at the foot of her Big Granny’s bed and ask questions about right and wrong. Gifted and talented in so many ways, she was also a hard worker. She taught piano lessons in high school and majored in pipe organ music in college where she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree. She used her music to the glory of God in church services and directing choirs as well as her studio, Ms. Marsha’s Music for Major and Minor Musicians.
After obtaining a Master’s of Education degree in early childhood development, she taught third grade and sixth grade science. One of her principals said he, “loved her because she knew how to motivate the students, even ones who had previously failed in school.” Because she often had to stop teaching in order to counsel her students who had just seen friends or family killed in drive-by shootings or accidents, Marsha wanted “to learn how to do it right,” and went back to school herself to earn a Doctorate of Psychology degree.
When she retired, her clients told the community health center where she worked that they, “loved her because she had saved their lives.” Whether a student, a client or someone she just met, people could sense that Marsha truly cared about them. She never met a stranger.
She will be greeted in heaven by many family members who have preceded her, including her husband, Mr. Samuel Leland Simmons. She was the best mom in the world and created many happy memories for her daughter, Dr. Natalie Renee Simmons, M.D. Marsha always reminded her clients, “It is what it is — for now, but it will become what you make of it.” Her favorite affirmation was from a man named Barksdale who wrote: “I feel warm and loving toward myself, for I am a unique and precious being, ever doing the best my current awareness permits, ever growing in wisdom and in love.”
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at Oxley Heard in Fernandina Beach, FL.
Memories