LAURA LEE BARTLEY MARSHALL

Laura Lee Bartley Marshall, age 70, a native of Morgan City, LA, passed away, Monday, March 24, 2025, Baton Rouge, LA.
Laura was the loving wife of the late Arvel Charles Marshall, a devoted daughter of the late Frank Bartley Jr. and Hazel Smith Bartley, sister of Ruby B. Sanchez, Celia B. Clark, Gloria B. (Calhoun) Moultrie, Lorraine Bartley, and Frank Bartley III; aunt to 8 nieces, 6 nephews, 9 great-nieces, 12 great-nephews, 4 great-great-nieces, and 13 great-great-nephews; sister-in-law, Gertrude P. Bartley, brother-in-law, Roland S. Merchant, and numerous cousins, and other relatives.
Laura was also preceded in death by sisters: Audrey B. Merchant, Melinda B. (Lawrence) Martin, and Jacqueline Bartley; brothers, Melvin Bartley, Herbert Bartley, and Huey (Brenda H.) Bartley; brothers-in-law: Murphy Sanchez and Thornton Clark; sister-in-law: Janice L. Bartley; 2 nieces and 3 nephews, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Evelyn Marshall.
Laura was baptized at the Mt. Era Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; chaperoned youth to Baptist Youth Encampment and other church/youth activities; sang in the junior and senior choirs; and was engaged in the Home Mission.
Laura graduated from Morgan City High School where she played clarinet and saxophone in the concert and marching bands, as well as other extracurricular activities. Laura received a bachelor’s degree from Southern University A&M College and a master’s degree from Nicholls State University. She did further study at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, LA, and Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Laura loved teaching and learning. Her heart was rooted in education. She taught at the Jacquet Elementary School and the St. Mary Parish Alternative School. Laura loved her students, and they reciprocated her love. Her teaching career also included teaching adult education.
Laura participated in community and civic organizations including: the National Association of University Women and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She was a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Laura’s warm smile was a bright light where there was darkness.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.-Omega Omega Service at 4:00 p.m., Hall Davis & Sons Funeral Service, 9348 Scenic Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70807 and the celebration of Laura’s life on Monday, March 31, 2025, visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. service, Mt. Era Baptist Church, 406 Lawrence Street, Morgan City, LA 70380. Rev. Norman Stovall, Pastor and Officiant. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Youth Department of Mt. Era Baptist Church, 406 Lawrence Street, Morgan City, LA 70380.