Marion Barksdale

June 3, 1930 - March 9, 2019

Marion Barksdale, 88, of Bloomfield, Iowa passed away March 9, 2019 at the Bloomfield Care Center. She was born June 3, 1930 in Pennsylvania to A. P. Davidson and Elizabeth Baldwin Davidson. She Married Malcolm T. Barksdale D.V.M. in October of 1954. They settled in Maitland, Florida raising two daughters. They were later divorced. She was a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Art Education. Marion went on to be the first woman from the University to earn a Master’s in Design and Crafts. Marion was very independent and resourceful. A homemaker with a passion for horticulture. She was involved in numerous groups and organizations throughout her life including the Deland Tree Board, Camellia Society and was a charter member of the Lyonia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. As an established and notable artist, sculptor and craftsman. She was a member of the Central Florida art community. Many a weekend was spent participating in various art festivals. In later years she moved to Iowa to be closer to family. There she made many friends and belonged to the Milton Help Your Neighbor Club. She enjoyed small towns in the area and learning their history. Marion always had a map on the front seat of her little pick up and liked to see the different courthouses along with stopping at the local ice cream shops. She is survived by two daughters, Georgia Dodge (Julian) of Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, Allison Humphrey (Curtis) of Milton, Iowa; three grandchildren, Seth Mitchell, David Dodge, Amanda Dodge; two great-grandchildren, Hayden and Ellie; and a sister, Peg Gordon (Bill) of Blairesville, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Bill Davidson. At her request no services will be held. Marion’s family will have a time to share memories and celebrate her life at the Troy United Church on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 2-4pm. A memorial has been established to the Lyonia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.