Rev. Carl Theodore Marshall, Sr.

Rev. Carl Theodore Marshall, Sr. a husband, father, United Methodist pastor and political agitator transitioned from this life to eternity on Wednesday, April 25, 2018.

He was born to the union of Janie Frances Ramsey Marshall and M. Pier Marshall on May 9, 1949 in Mobile, Alabama. He was the only boy and youngest child of this union. He was preceded in death by both his parents and three sisters, Eloise, Patricia and Norma.

Carl received his academic training from, Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture, a Master’s Degree in Theology, the Interdenominational Theological Center (Gammon), a Master’s Degree in Divinity, and was currently working on a PhD from Clark Atlanta University in Political Science. Carl was a lifelong learner and used his knowledge, skill and ability to champion for social justice and equality. He was a Vietnam Veteran of the United States Air Force and worked with other PTSD survivors to gain healing and hope. Carl’s career included working as a geological engineer, photographer, chaplain and Pastor.

Carl married his wife Sharon on the same day they both graduated from seminary and they enjoyed traveling and had visited many countries and a vast portion of the United States together. His most traveled continent was Africa where he’d hoped to retire and live out his last days. Carl was an ardent reader and espoused that learning should be a lifelong pursuit.

Carl was a lifelong Kansas City Chief fan and believed that they were “great” against all odds. He and his sons Teddy and Courtney watched the games remotely from Dallas to Tennessee with phones in hand ready to discuss the game in great detail, text by text.

Pastor Carl was a man of faith and believed whole heartedly in the power of prayer. He accepted Christ at an early age and answered the call to ministry and proudly served God for the rest of his life. He was a student pastor in the North Georgia Conference of the UMC and served faithfully at New Mount Olive and New Hope United Methodist Church in Radford, VA and Washington Hills United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, TN. He also served on the Episcopacy Committee, the Discipleship Committee, and as the Chair of the African American Task Force in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church under the leadership of Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor. One of Carl’s great accomplishments was the completion of all the requirements to be an Elder in the United Methodist Church. 

Pastor Carl leaves to cherish his memory his faithful and loving wife, Rev. Sharon L. Bowers (Babe) and his six children whom he loved and was exceptionally proud of, Carl Theodore Marshall, Jr., Aaron Marshall, Daryl (Celeste) Marshall, Courtney Marshall, Louis D. Threatt ( Tiffany) and Sandi McGraw. Carl also leaves to cherish his memory several nieces and nephews of which three were very close to him, Zyaire Neal, Kevin Lofton and George “Skip” (Cynthia) Hicks. Skip was like a son to Carl and Skip and his children were the source of great love for Carl. There was nothing that made Carl prouder than being called “Uncle Carl”.

He also leaves to cherish his memory eight grandchildren, Layla, Julis and Langston Marshall, Nadia Threatt and Willie Parker, Andrew Parker, Jerracoe Cummings & Jean Scarborough and several great grandchildren.

In addition, Carl will be missed by his siblings Jerald Green, Carolyn Marshall, Pier Marshall (deceased) and Freddie Marshall. Pastor Carl will be missed by his family, the community, his colleagues and his special friends, Yvette Assem, Valerie Laney Marshall, Walter Cross, Arthur Meadows, Valerie Barkwell and Randy Olverson.

When the song writer penned the words in song, My Soul Has Been Anchored In The Lord, Pastor Carl was one whose life so exemplified that philosophical teaching. When Carl was diagnosed with cancer and asked about his fears, he courageously adopted the mantra, “I am not afraid, Either Way, I Win!”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the church he pastored, Washington Hills United Methodist Church. 6216 Hadley Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.  Please join us as we celebrate a life well lived

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the following: Sharon L. Bowers & Carl T. Marshall Outreach Scholarship, Attn: Ms. Rochelle Reeder, Office of Institutional Advancement, The Interdenominational Theological Center, 700 M.L.K. Jr Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314.