Marsha Louise Carlson

CARLSON, Marsha Louise, age 74, of Dayton, formerly of Jamestown, passed away Monday, January 11, 2021. Marsha was born April 2, 1946 in Indianapolis, IN to Ralph and Gladys (Spell) Cummings.

After high school, she attended Cedarville College then transferring to University of Dallas graduating in 1968, receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Special Education. Marsha taught in Dallas Texas, Indianapolis Indiana, Columbus Ohio, Jamestown Ohio and Dayton Public schools for an almost 30 year career as a jack of all trades teacher. She specialized in Spanish, French, Music and special education. She had a gift for teaching special needs students. Growing up in her early teens her closest friend was mentally disabled, and that friendship became the inspiration for her career teaching students with learning disabilities and students with diagnosed with severe behavior in the public school system.

Marsha was loving, patient, and kind. She strove to make everyone around her happy, never hesitating to help those in need and providing a safe haven for those with nowhere else to turn.

Marsha was a member of the Vineyard church in Dayton most recently; but her Christian faith was something that was centric in her life permeating through everything that she did, and radiating to all she interacted with. That faith was something that she firmly instilled in all of her children.

Marsha had a talent for the arts, especially painting, singing, and playing the piano.
Her gentle and empathetic spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Marsha is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by children Ryan (Mary) Carlson, John David (Ann) Carlson, and Jessica Carlson; grandchildren, Camryn Stiver, Emily Carlson, Annabelle Carlson, Rebecca Carlson, Brooke Carlson, Oliver Carlson; step-grandchildren, Brad and Tara Davis; brother, Jim Cummings; longtime friend and roommate, Cathy Woods.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of Marsha’s life will be held when it is safe to gather.