Marcia Derby Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Marcia Putnam Derby passed away peacefully on September 1, 2023 with her three daughters by her side and her son on speaker at Abundant Christian Living in Johnson City, Tennessee.

This is the obituary Marcia Derby didn't want. "Who wants to read one of those things except family?" she said, "They're all so boring."

The girl known for speeding down Roan Street was born on November 21, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan to Russell and Georgia Derby. She grew up in Kingsport, TN until the age of 16 when she moved to Johnson City and remained a proud resident for all but a few intervals of her life. One of those intervals took her to Willamson County to be closer to some of her children and grandchildren. She immediately got involved in local politics, new AA groups, and followed her grandkids sporting events and theater performances. She immediately jumped on the Titans bandwagon, but her favorite was afternoon concerts at Crockett Park and Carnton Plantation. She also helped out the Williamson Herald, particularly at the Senior Expo's where she used her good looks and sharp wit to sell a few subscriptions. However, the mountains of Johnson City called her home.

She established permanent good roots and touched the lives of so many. Marcia overcame addiction when her four children were young and became a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. She used her profound sense of empathy to help others in their darkest hours. This was her legacy and her life's work. She was a licensed drug and alcohol counselor at Northside Hospital in Johnson City and later at Woodbridge. She continued as a volunteer helping others with recovery after her retirement. She never stopped serving people with alcohol and drug rehabilitation and remained a loyal respected leader and sponsor to all in need.

Marcia was strong, smart, and hilarious. Her humor was infectious, and her laugh was shrill. She loved a good prank, scary movie, a political debate and talking sports. Much to her children's chagrin she would stay up late watching horror movies with her grandchildren, leaving their parents to deal with the nightmares later. They all got over it in time. Her curious taste in cinema got the best of her later in life as her Netflix algorithm began solely recommending Korean movies.

Marcia was a notorious snacker, often hiding candy bars, nuts and chex mix in drawers so grandkids would not find her stash.

Marcia inhabited a strong sense of spirituality. Finding the good in people and never judging anyone. She hosted Bible Studies and welcomed everyone with open arms.

She announced regularly throughout the years that she was going to die. Her family would laugh and roll their eyes. She told them everything she didn't want: no funeral, no burial, no crying, no fuss. In reality, she loved a fuss.

She was loved dearly by her four children, Derby (Cassie) Jones, Courtney (Shawn) Fussell, Kathryn (Byron) Huskins, and Erin (Andy) Ross, She also leaves behind her beloved brother Bill (Judy) Derby and nephew Jeff. She was adored by her nine grandchildren Trey Fussell, Georgia Link, Andrew Ross, Owen Fussell, Maggie Jones, Carter Ross, Derby Jones, Nelson Link, and Brooks Ross. They will miss her razor-sharp wit, dry sense of humor, fabulous style, and legendary back scratches. She was affectionally known as Grand Marsh, MeMarsh and most recently GlamMarsh.

Marcia had a smile that lit up a room and she knew exactly where she was going after this life, and she was at peace.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a charity close to her heart.

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Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Derby family. (423) 610-7171.