In Loving Memory of Marsha Carlyn Reeder

Marsha C. Reeder, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away on November 15, 2025, at the age of 87.  Her final days were spent with family, friends and her many caretakers. Marsha was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack. Marsha is survived by her four children, Faith Gruntman (David), Sherryl Salzman (Don), Ruth Oczkowski, and Robert Reeder, eight grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Marsha was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 1, 1938, and raised by her treasured parents Margaret (Mammie) and Robert Chapman in the Morrell Park neighborhood.  She met her husband Jack when they were teenagers and soon thereafter, they married and started a family.  With four children born close together Marsha spent her 20’s and 30’s primarily raising their children.  Marsha and Jack lived in Baltimore City until they moved to Howard County MD in 1966 when that area was still rural. Soon after moving Marsha got a job driving a bus for Head Start.  Other than the fact that she was never a morning person, she enjoyed this interaction with Head Start staff and children.  In the late 1970’s Marsha (and Jack) experienced a spiritual transformation and pursued a life born again into God’s family.  Marsha and Jack were devout members of Bethel Baptist Church in Ellicott City where they participated in all activities at Bethel Baptist including Bible Study and Young at Heart.  Marsha later worked in a Christian bookstore in Ellicott City for years.  Marsha (and Jack) was dearly loved by the Bethel community and were thankful for the many years of friendship and fellowship.

They lived in Ellicott City for 40 years before eventually moving to Florida in 2006 to escape from the cold weather.  As devout Christians, she and Jack renewed their service to God once relocated to North Port and joined Suncoast Baptist Church where again they were prominent active members in the congregation.  Marsha sincerely loved the many friendships she developed with other members.

Marsha loved all dogs, Ocean City, MD and was an avid reader until the end of her life.

A memorial service will be held at Suncoast Baptist Church, 410 Warrington Blvd., Port Charlotte, Florida on Monday December 8, 2025, at 6 pm.  A grave site ceremony will follow at St. John’s Cemetery of Howard County located at 3480 St Johns Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21042, on Saturday January 17, 2026, at 1 pm. A fellowship luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Marsha Reeder.