Passed away Friday, July 18, 2025. Viewing Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Wake & Funeral Monday, July 28, 2025 – 10:00 & 10:30 am at Mt. Sinai Friendship United 7510 Woodland Avenue Cleveland, OH. Interment Tuesday, July 29, 2025 – 12:00 Noon at Highland Park Cemetery 21400 Chagrin Blvd. Beachwood, OH 44122. Meet at Chagrin Gate.

Obituary

Sarah Margaret Love Marshall, age 96, was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on July 18, 2025. She passed peacefully in the very home where she raised her children, built her legacy, and helped shape a generation.

Born on May 14, 1929 in Meridian, Mississippi to Elloise Jones and J. Ben Love.  Sarah was the only child born to this union.  When Sarah was born, she was unresponsive.  As the story was told, the doctor thought Sarah was such a cute baby that he worked on her until he heard the sweet sound of a baby crying.  Sarah grew into a Queen coming from Meridian which is known as the “Queen City” of Mississippi.

Sarah accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age.  While growing up in The Great Depression, Sarah learned the value of hard work, monetary worth, and family.  Her life was grounded in strength, faith, and family.  After losing her mother at a young age, she was lovingly raised in Meridian, MS by her grandmother, Annie Belle Jones, who instilled in her a quiet resilience and unwavering love for others.

Sarah was always a sharp dresser in her childhood.  She worked for a lady cleaning her home.  She was offered either money or clothes as payment for her services.  Realizing the clothes would have more value than the money she would be paid, Sarah chose the dresses that she was offered.  She wore those dresses proudly and was named “Best Dressed” in High School.

In 1950, Sarah married the love of her life, Reverend John S. Marshall.  From this union came six children:  Andretta Laney, Agatha Marshall, Lucretia Smith, John Sidney Marshall, Corlette Marshall, and Kitt Marie Laster (Donald, Sr.).

Sarah was a pioneer in every sense of the word.  She became the first woman to serve as security guard at the Cleveland Clinic, quietly breaking barriers with grace, grit, and dignity.  She retired from the Cleveland Clinic in 1992.  Though she never considered herself political, she had a deep belief in community. Sarah proudly served as a precinct person for the late Councilman Charles V. Carr.  After her retirement from Cleveland Clinic, Sarah worked alongside the late Councilwoman Fannie Lewis, advocating for seniors and families in the Hough community.  Her service was never about politics-it was always about people.

Sarah was a proud member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church for decades.  She was a woman of faith, humility, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, John S. Marshall; her son, John Sidney Marshall; and her daughters, Andretta Laney and Corlette Marshall.

She leaves behind her loving daughters Agatha Marshall, Lucretia Smith, and Kitt Laster.  She is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and extended family members who will carry her memory and legacy with pride.

She will be remembered for her Sunday fried chicken, her quiet wisdom, her commitment to justice, and one of her most repeated pieces of advice:  “Don’t let anyone make a fool out of you!”

Rest well, Queen Sarah.  Your life was a masterclass in strength, love, and purpose—and your legacy will live on in all of us forever.