Heart and Soul of Hospice

Cindy Marsh has devoted over three decades to Hospice of Texarkana
By Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker

photo by chloe sanders.

Cindy Marsh is a world traveler and a world-class hostess, and for more than 30 years, she has made Texarkana a better place for dying people and their loved ones as the executive director of Hospice of Texarkana.  

As a world traveler, Cindy spent time last fall soaking up the European culture in Provence, France, and exploring the Mediterranean. 

“Who knew that the Mediterranean Ocean was a cobalt blue or that French people really did wear a lot of light blue, were amazingly trim, and actually said, ‘ooh la la’?!” she said. “I am still confused over the lack of washcloths and top sheets, but the oysters on the half-shell, served just two blocks from the Mediterranean, made up for those shortcomings. And greeting someone with ‘bonjour’ paved the way for a pleasant interaction.”

Although she loved her time in the South of France, she also loved coming home. Cindy’s home is not only the place she considers her refuge but is also a place she shares with her friends and family. 

“I absolutely love to entertain friends in my home,” she said. “My house is constantly in a state of change as new finds are made at consignment stores in Shreveport, treasures appear at estate sales, and the perfect piece is discovered at Haven Homes Resale Shop.”

When she entertains, she said, she loves to cook and “shamelessly” posts pictures online of meals she has made and the formal tables she has set. Though she delights in having her friends over, her favorite dinner guests are her sons, Brandon and Tony, and her “daughter-in-love,” Ashley. They are a close-knit family and enjoy cooking, attending concerts, and traveling to Texas Ranger baseball games together.  

Her love of family also spills into her work at Hospice of Texarkana, an organization she leads with purpose.  

“I am surrounded by team members who have the same commitment and motivation, 13 of whom have served here for decades,” Cindy said. “The mission and impact of Hospice of Texarkana is so significant. It motivates me each day. We are allowed to participate in the lives of others at such a poignant time.”

She deeply understands the importance of this mission as a professional and also from personal experience, as her own mother used Hospice of Texarkana’s services before she passed away last year.

“Her final months were full of peace, dignity, and comfort,” Cindy said. “This allowed her to interact with and enjoy family and friends. She made her own funeral arrangements and gave items to special people in her life. This gave her a sense of control, when it is possible to feel quite out-of-control.”

Cindy with her late mother, Sharon Washam. submitted photo.

Cindy got her start at the non-profit after working at a local insurance agency and managing the Hospice of Texarkana account.

“In 1992, the executive director gave notice and recommended me for the position,” Cindy said. “Someone else was hired, but that person gave notice after only a few months. I was called back for a second interview and landed my position in September of that same year. It was a struggle, and we had to borrow money twice before the end of the year to cover payroll, but we managed to develop the stability necessary for Hospice of Texarkana to begin growing and thriving.”

Since then, the organization has grown exponentially, especially after Hospice of Texarkana took over the services once provided by CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospice in 2000. At that pont, Cindy said, their census doubled, and they were able to expand their services to include additional grief services to the Texarkana community at no charge, like the Good Grief Club for children.

Although Hospice care is very heavy work, the organization works hard to find balance. One way they do that is through their annual Jeans & Bling event. The fundraiser is a Texarkana tradition that helps to increase awareness of Hospice of Texarkana’s services while also building the financial support needed to cover costs of their inpatient facility—the only inpatient hospice facility in the area. 

In 2014, Hospice of Texarkana broke ground on their Inpatient Care Center. submitted photo.

“Jeans & Bling’s beginning was more of a grassroots event, hosted by Brent and Cindy Ramage at their Ramage Farms Weddings venue,” Cindy said. This year’s event will be held on October 5th and will have the theme “Jeans & Bling at Studio 54.” “It will be a fun-packed evening with a great funk band, dancing, good food, a large silent auction, a live auction, and the famous lip sync battle,” she said.

The Jeans & Bling fundraiser celebrates its 15th year this year. It has become one of many long-standing Texarkana traditions, enjoyed by the more than 400 people who attend each year.   

“We have such an excellent lifestyle in our community,” Cindy said. “For anyone who would utter the words, ‘There is nothing to do in Texarkana,’ you only need to look around a bit. Every week is full of fun and affordable entertainment. We are truly blessed. I am truly blessed.”