Marsha McCartney

Marsha Jane McCartney, 70, of Flemingsburg, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Pioneer Trace Nursing Home, surrounded by family.

She was born in Jefferson, North Carolina on September 26, 1951, to Anna Lou Planck McNeill and the late Peter “Pete” McNeill.  She spent her years growing up in Flemingsburg and some time in Malaysia and Thailand while her father worked there. She graduated from Fleming County High School in 1969 and the University of Kentucky in 1973 with her teaching certification.  She was a special education teacher at Hillsboro Elementary School for several years and was the first Coordinator of Special Education for the Fleming County School System.

In 1981, Marsha received her law degree from the University of Kentucky.  Marsha was the first woman attorney with the Kentucky 19th Judicial District, paving the way for other women to practice law in this area.  She specialized in defending the rights of parents in need of child support until she retired in 2011.

She was very active within her community as a board chairperson with Hospice of Hope, a former board member for Park Lake Outing Association, and a board member of the Licking Valley Girl Scout Chapter. She was active in the Fleming County Garden Club, the Fleming County Tourism Committee, and the Fleming County Covered Bridge Museum Society.  She organized the Covered Bridge Festival and was instrumental in restoring the Goddard Covered Bridge.  Marsha held many positions in the Flemingsburg Christian Church where she was a member.  She was a member of the Golden Chord Singers.

She is survived by her two daughters, Rachael Benjamin (Jason Benjamin) and Laura McCartney. Marsha adored her three grandchildren, Louisa, Elliot, and Silas Benjamin.  In addition to her mother Anna Lou, Marsha is also survived by her two sisters, Martha and Judy, and her two brothers, Sam and Andrew.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank McCartney; her son, Steven McCartney; and her father Pete.

A memorial service for Marsha will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Hunter Pavilion in Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park with Pastor Marty Voiers officiating.  Blue Licks is located at 10299 Maysville Road (HWY US 68), Carlisle, KY 40311.

At the family’s request, those in attendance are asked to please wear face masks and observe social distancing.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Marsha to one of the following:  Hospice of Hope (www.hospiceofhope.com, 909 Kenton Station Drive, Maysville, KY 41056),  the Fleming County Covered Bridge Museum (C/O Brenda Plummer, 290 West Water Street, Flemingsburg, KY 41041), and/or the Flemingsburg Christian Church (201 East Water Street, Flemingsburg, KY 41041).

Boone-Nickell Funeral Home is caring for Marsha and her family.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marsha McCartney, please visit our floral store.