Elaine R Marsh

Elaine Mary Riles Marsh passed from life into eternal life on Saturday July 15, 2023 at the age of 76. She was born March 18, 1947 in New Orleans, Louisiana to James Erskine Sr. and Frances Batteau Riles. Elaine, the most loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother is preceded in death by her husband Eddie Marsh, Jr.; parents James Erskine and Frances Batteau Riles and brother James Erskine Riles Jr. She was a loving sister to her younger siblings and a devoted daughter to her parents. Elaine is survived by sons Eddie III. and Damian Marsh; grandsons, Mekhai Emon Marsh (Atlanta,GA), and Drew Edward Marsh; granddaughter Journey Elizabeth Marsh; brothers, Alfred (Kathy) Philadelphia, PA. Troy, Jesse, Los Angeles, CA. and Stanley Riles, Las Vegas, NV. One sister, Wanda Smith; aunt Shirley Hicks, uncle Albert Batteau, brother-in-law Lawrence Bailey, sister-in-laws: Patricia Edinburgh and Joycelyn Marsh; godchildren Ronaldo Handy, Kaylia Henry and Tyler Riles (Houston, TX) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Elaine graduated from George Washington Carver Senior High School in 1965 and went on to attend Southern University in New Orleans. Early in life, she met Eddie Marsh Jr. They made a commitment to God and each other to be husband and wife on December 4, 1971. They went on to have two sons. As a mother and wife, she was generous, loving and kind; full of smiles and laughter, always doing great deeds. Elaine was employed by Louisiana State Determination Service as a Disability Examiner, where she reviewed medical and health records, conducted interviews and evaluated applications to determine an applicant’s eligibility for disability benefits and programs. Elaine was a follower of the teachings of Christ. She was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, church and community. Her passions involved caring for her dad and participating in community activities. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing cross word puzzles. Elaine loved and enjoyed baking you name it she would bake it. She loved spending time with family and friends and was known for her infectious laugh and kind heart. Elaine embraced every moment of change with an open mind. Failures became opportunities. Setbacks were times to regroup. Elaine was a beautiful person inside and out. She was private and quiet but also very witty and fun. Sensitive and incredibly passionate, she cared deeply for the people around her. Elaine was truly a great woman whose impact will be forever felt by her family that loves her dearly. She was a selfless woman whose passing leaves unfillable gaps in the hearts of her loved ones. Her ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive and love will be forever engrained in all she knew. We are so grateful for the time, laughter, and love we’ve shared with her. Elaine you are in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot put into words how much we will miss you but know that you are going to a place much better than here, where you will be treated like the angel you are. May the angels lead you into paradise. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate her life on Saturday August 5, 2023, 10:00AM at First Pilgrim Baptist Church (1228 Arts Street New Orleans, Louisiana). Visitation will begin at 9:00AM. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122. Pastor Eugene M. Mitchell will be officiating this lovely service. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit to share online condolences.