Eleanor W. Marshall, 101, of Paducah, passed away at 2:08 a.m. Tuesday, August 28, 2012, at Western Baptist Hospital. She was born in Smithland, Ky. Eleanor devoted herself to her family, providing a safe, structured, and supportive home. She helped raise multiple generations and encouraged her family to be well-rounded in academics and extracurricular activities. She stressed the importance of education. As a girl in Smithland, she attended a one-room schoolhouse where she would be taken to school by her teacher sometimes riding on the back of a horse. Later she starred as a varsity center for the Livingston County High School girls basketball team.

Living through many significant historical events such as The Depression, Eleanor learned to be practical and had a down to earth attitude. Her children, grandchildren, and friends describe how approachable Eleanor and her husband Joe were. She engaged in learning about people’s interests and encouraged them.

She was a cornerstone of her community. A long-time member of First Presbyterian Church of Paducah, she organized meetings for women, participated in Sunday school, and volunteered for church activities. She attended symphonies, Market House Theatre productions, and Garden Club.

Most of all Eleanor was known for her generosity of resources and spirit. She donated money to churches, Paducah Cooperative Ministry, and other local charities. She gave out many hugs and loved to celebrate family and friendship. Eleanor Marshall positively impacted many lives of those around her and will be missed.

Eleanor is survived by her daughters, Mary Marshall Hoy and husband Jon of Paducah, Jane Marshall Scudder and husband Gary of Bozeman, Mont.; son, Joseph C. Marshall Jr. and wife Anita of Floyds Knobs, Ind.; brother, Hugh G. Wilson of Owensboro; five grandchildren, Joseph C, Marshall III and wife Sheri, Stuart Marshall and fianceé Kerry, Hannah Hammonds and husband Andrew, Zachary Hoy and Samuel Hoy; five great-grandchildren, Eleanor Marshall, Edith Hammonds, Glennis Marshall, Hattie Marshall, Marshall Hammonds; and several nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph “Joe” C. Marshall Sr.; one sister; and three brothers. Her parents were Thomas Hendley Wilson and Jennie Dyer Wilson.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, September 3, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Lynn Shurley officiating. Visitation will follow in Memorial Hall of First Presbyterian Church. Private graveside services will be conducted at Mt. Kenton Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to: First Presbyterian Church, 200 North Seventh Street, Paducah, KY 42001.

You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.

Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah in charge of arrangements.