Melissa “Missy” Todd Hart Marrs, 44, daughter of William Morris Hart, Jr. and the late Jeanne “Cissy” Stoll Hart, passed away peacefully at home on May 26, 2021 after a courageous fourteen-year battle with Ovarian Cancer. Missy was a graduate of Henry Clay High School and the University of Kentucky. Throughout her childhood and early in her career, she was especially proud to work within her family’s business, Greenbrier Golf and Country Club. Missy furthered her career as a self-employed real estate appraiser. She was a faithful member of Macedonia Christian Church.
Through her established foundation, Missy advocated for genetic testing. She was sought as a public speaker for women’s cancer awareness groups. Missy appreciated the life she was granted and lived each day to the fullest. She was a competitive golfer; a trait passed to both her children.
Missy was preceded in death by: maternal grandparents William Keene Stoll and Elizabeth “Bettye” Stoll Denton and paternal grandparents William Morris Hart, Sr. and Dorothy “Dottie” Beall Hart, her father-in-law Dr. William F. Marrs, and a beloved cousin Elizabeth “Eli” Kessler Mitchell.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 21 years Benjamin “Benji” Andrew Marrs, Sr.: her children, Benjamin “Andrew” Marrs, Jr. and Mary Keene Marrs, a sibling and best friend Markey Hart Hutchinson (Bert), brothers-in-law Dr. Brock Marrs (Ravin) and Billy Marrs, mother-in-law Maria Holston Marrs, and her father William “Morrie” Hart, Jr. (Louise), nieces and nephews Wakefield Hart Hutchinson, Bellefaire “Betsey” Keene Hutchinson, William “Liam” Marrs, and Evelyn Grace Marrs, and her dear aunts and uncles- Briggs and Linda Cochran, Larry and Jeannie Hart and Elizabeth “Liz” Stoll, and beloved cousins Kristin Tatum (Lee), Jennifer Allen (Ben), Miles Hart (Preslee), and Keim Parman (Jackie), and Keene Kessler.
Pastor Mark Dunn, Macedonia Christian Church, will preside over the funeral service. Donna Dodd Terrell and Nicole Iuliano will share remembrances of Missy. Pallbearers are Bert Hutchinson, Dr. Brock Marrs, Billy Marrs, Ben Allen, Lee Tatum, Briggs Cochran, Larry Hart, and Miles Hart. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Billy Crowe (Dena), Dr. Greg Monohan(Susan), Stephen Howard (Sisi), Matt Iuliano (Nicole), Michael Woodworth (Sarah), Gene Hamm (Cindy), Chris Thiel (Delaine), Joe Putnam (Leigh), and Tony Bonner (Emily). Missy shared many lifelong and dear friends, including Courtney Potter, Elizabeth Shropshire (Rick), and Vicki Gaver(Louis).
The family especially wants to extend their sincerest gratitude for the care overseen and directed for the past decade by Dr. Howard Bruckner (Bronx, NY) a compassionate genius, a revolutionary oncologist, and a pioneer in cancer treatment, as well as the compassion, kindness, and care provided by Dr. Christopher P. Desimone, Jr. and the UK Markey Cancer Center without whom so much would not have been possible.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday, June 3rd at Milward’s Downtown, followed by a brief visitation from 12:00-2:00 pm on Friday, June 4. Funeral, Friday, 3:00 pm, The Keene Family Cemetery, Keeneland. Memorials suggested to: Macedonia Christian Church, 4551 Winchester Rd., Lexington, KY 40509 or The Hope Lodge Lexington- American Cancer Society, 1500 College Way, Lexington, KY 40502.
Missy was admired for her courage, strength, and willingness to share her Faith and experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. She was the best wife, sister, mother, and friend. Missy was loved and will be missed. She is etched into the lives of so many and will be fondly remembered.
