Marjorie Anne (Barr) Castleman, 70, of Frankin, TN, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2022, at ALIVE Hospice, held dear by her family and friends. Marjorie grew up in Columbia, TN, where, as a young teen, she won Music Educator’s National Conference’s ensemble awards from MTSU and TN Tech. She was part of the Columbia Central High School Band, under the direction of Tom Tucker and Bill Hull, who won the prestigious Contest of Champions marching contest at MTSU in 1969. Other high school endeavors included Pep Club, Spanish Club, Dramatic Club, Concert, Marching, Stage, and Mid-State Clinic Bands, as well as serving as CHS’s band secretary. Marjorie was a lifelong member of the Methodist church, serving as organist and pianist in several Columbia congregations. Throughout childhood, Marjorie studied classical piano and clarinet, winning High Honors in two National Guild Auditions presented by the Columbia chapter of the National Guild of Piano Teachers. During Marjorie’s junior and senior years, she studied under Helen C. Gleason of Nashville, subsequently presenting a senior recital in Columbia, and winning a music scholarship to the University of Alabama. During her undergraduate years, Marjorie aspired to business and transferred to Memphis State University to focus on finance. Afterward, Marjorie worked as an administrative assistant for Merrill Lynch. Marjorie served her provisional year in the Junior League of Nashville and proudly received membership in 1989.
Always practicing brilliance and fun, Marjorie loved dancing, Chopin, peonies, peach and coral roses, Motown, Disco, cooking, Tolstoy, the Crimson Tide, and beyond all, she modeled what a grandmother should be. We will never forget her classy and intelligent humor, matriarchal dignity, and her abiding devotion to her daughter Clair and husband Moody.
Marjorie was predeceased by her parents, Marjorie Anne Orr Barr and Hiram Marion Barr, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Howard Moody Castleman, Jr., her daughter, Clair, her son-in-law, Bart Allen; her granddaughter, Lola Clair Allen, her sister, Betsy Barr, her brothers, Gene (Sally) Barr and James (Kate) Barr, her nephews, Gene Barr, Jr., and Whit Barr.
Marjorie requested that her adored family and friends join Pastor Charles Moore of Green Hills Community Church, to celebrate her life at Westhaven Residence Club (400 Cheltenham Ave., Franklin, TN) in the Townsend Hall and Balcony on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 3 PM with doors opening at 2:30 PM.
Marjorie’s remains will rest with her parents at Rose Hill Cemetery in Columbia, TN. There will be a graveside service at 2 PM on Monday, November 14, 2022, with family friend, Reverend Tommy Vann officiating. The family will visit with friends immediately following the service. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family arrangements and condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
