Obituary of Marcella S. Bledsoe

Marcella Jane Simmons was born January 23, 1928, in Plant City, FL to Charles Simmons and Lutie Wiggins Simmons. Marcella was predeceased by her husband Robert, and her five sisters, Charlsey Mae, Ellouise, Lois, Edna Earl, and Dorothy Nell.

Marcella is survived by her son Phillip and his wife Betsy who live in Ocala, FL, Grandson Robert, a United Methodist pastor, his wife Jessica, and their son and her favorite great grandson Hardin.

Marcella grew up in Plant City, Florida and graduated from Plant City High School. While in high school she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Bledsoe. Robert and Marcella were married in 1948. Marcella attended Florida Southern College and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. After graduation Marcella and Robert moved to Atlanta, GA where Robert attended seminary at Emory University and Marcella began her teaching career. Upon graduation they moved back to Haines City, FL where Robert served in ministry and Marcella taught elementary school. While in Haines City their son Phillip was born in 1959.

Marcella was a faithful and loving wife supporting Robert in his appointments to churches in Haines City, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Ocala, and Fort Lauderdale in addition to conference appointments in Orlando and Lakeland. Throughout the Florida Conference Marcella was renowned for her fabulous social gatherings whether it be for local, district, conference, and even Council of Bishops events. Marcella also had a flair for parsonage renovations and furnishings that was admired and appreciated.

Marcella’s elementary school teaching career spanned 30 years during which time she was named teacher of the year at South Ocala Elementary School on several occasions and received other honors and recognition throughout her career. Marcella was active in the United Methodist Women, youth and children’s programs at the church, Sunday school, and P.E.O. While in Ocala Marcella was the world’s biggest fan and supporter of Phillip and Forest High School football.

A gift of Marcella’s was her ability to identify the unspoken need of an individual and to address that need in her own unique way either materially or spiritually. In a room full of people, Marcella was able to make everyone feel special and of value. Marcella made an impact on each person she touched.

Marcella said she always wanted to “do good”. Marcella accomplished and did so much more than good, Marcella did “Great”.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the children's ministry department at First United Methodist Church at 1126 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34471 or the Florida's United Methodist Children's Home at 51 Children's Way Enterprise, FL 32725 United States.