Barbara Marsalis

Barbara Ann Bishop Marsalis, aged 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Byram, Mississippi on December 18, 2025. Barb Is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Greg Marsalis, of Jackson, who has lovingly supported her throughout her long battle with cancer.

An accomplished educator and avid reader, Barb received both her undergraduate and masters degrees from the University of Mississippi. For more than 30 years, she taught phonics-based reading and helped hundreds of elementary students develop a love for reading in the Oxford, Rome, Georgia, and Hinds County public school districts. After retiring from the public school system, Barb extended her teaching journey at Rebul Academy, where she continued to love and nurture young students as they learned to read.

Barb was born on June 14, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Anderson Bishop Menist and J.T. Bishop of Yocona, MS. She is also survived by her sisters, Dianne Newman Carson (Wayne) and Joan Montgomery Langston (David) of Clinton; her first husband, Max Davis Hipp of Oxford and their children Melissa Hipp Zerfoss (Matt) and Max Bishop Hipp, as well as two grandchildren Nick (Heather) Zerfoss and Zach Zerfoss. On her family's side, Barb was also blessed with five nephews: Donnie Newman, Matt Newman (Meghan), Keith Montgomery (Kelley), Mason Montgomery (Natalie), and Brenton Montgomery (Brittany), as well as 13 grand nieces and nephews.

Barb was a loving and gentle soul who will be missed by all who loved her. She walked Ephesians 4:2 daily, which reminds us to live with humility, gentleness, and patience, and to bear with one another in love.

A private family graveside ceremony will be held on Monday at 3pm.