Marla Hussey

Marla Hussey  

Mary Marla Hussey, 64, died peacefully at her home in Tupelo December 2, 2024, following a lengthy illness. She was born in Jackson on August 24, 1960, to James Morgan Hussey, Sr., and Maralyn Benton Holcomb Hussey. She attended Tupelo High School and Itawamba Community College. She moved home to Jackson in 2000 to be near her mother and was her devoted companion and caregiver in her final years. After her mother’s death, she returned to Tupelo to live with her sister and family who lovingly provided her with care and comfort and, as she would describe it, constant entertainment. She absolutely loved keeping up with the sports activities and teenage antics of her great nephews who, to her delight, lived right next door to their beloved “Auntie M.”

She was a lifelong learner and an avid collector of books, and other things that struck her fancy. One of her brothers teased her about being a “collector of collections.” She loved her arts and crafts hobbies, which were as countless as her many talents.

Before her illness, she attended church regularly, which brought her considerable peace and joy. Her devout faith was evident in the way she lived every day of her life. She treated everyone she ever met with sincere kindness, utmost respect, and abundant love.

She had a servant’s heart and was a lifelong volunteer for many worthy organizations, including a local nursing home every Saturday for more than five years where she was named Volunteer of the Year. The residents there lovingly referred to her as the “Popcorn Lady” for her weekly visits to make popcorn and spend time with them in fellowship and activities. Other volunteer service included the Mississippi Library for the Blind working with their Talking Book Services program, the Jackson Arts & Music Foundation, and Mississippi Public Broadcasting. Later, she was proud to achieve the designation of Master Gardener and, along with her sister, participated in their many programs and service projects all year long.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Morgan Hussey, Sr., and Maralyn Benton Holcomb. She is survived by her sister, Susan Hussey Wade; brothers, James Morgan Hussey, Jr. and William Holcomb Hussey, and their families; and a gaggle of beloved nieces, nephews and “Grands.”

Visitation with the family will be 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Saturday, December 14, 2024, followed by a celebration of life at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues in Tupelo. There will be a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to an organization close to her heart, Regional Rehab Center, which provides at no charge, Dyslexia, Occupational and other “extraordinary services to extraordinary people in North Mississippi.”

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PeguesFuneralHome.com.