Whitney Marsh Obituary – Death: Miss America 2024 Madison Marsh mother died of pancreatic cancer in 2018
Whitney Marsh Tribute – Whitney Marsh, a Fort Smith, Arkansas resident and the youngest real estate broker in the state, passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2018, after bravely battling pancreatic cancer. At the time of her passing, she was 41 years old. Whitney Marsh, a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a certified gemologist, is remembered for her significant contributions to various communities.
Who was Whitney Marsh?
Whitney Renee Marsh actively participated in running, cycling, and fitness communities. She was also a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, volunteered for CASA to advocate for children’s well-being, and held dear friendships. Beyond her roles as a wife and mother, Whitney was a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a certified gemologist, an enthusiastic cook, and achieved the title of the youngest real estate broker in Arkansas at the age of 18. She was a dedicated mother to Madison, Heidi, Nicholas, Sarah, and Christopher, and the beloved wife of Dr. Michael Marsh.
Who is Madison Marsh?
Madison Isabella Marsh, an American beauty pageant winner, clinched the title of Miss America 2024. Marsh, the first person from the US Armed Forces to achieve this honor, was also the fourth woman from Colorado to be crowned Miss Colorado 2023. Apart from her pageant involvement, Marsh serves as an Air Force second lieutenant.
Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Mike and the late Whitney Marsh, Madison grew up with her sister, Heidi. Following her mother’s passing from pancreatic cancer at the age of seventeen, Madison became an advocate for early detection and treatment of the disease. In 2019, she established the Whitney Marsh Foundation to support cancer research in her mother’s memory.
Graduating from Southside in 2019, Marsh, who had childhood experiences with space camps and flying lessons, pursued astrophysics at the United States Air Force Academy in El Paso County, Colorado. She graduated in 2023 and joined the US Air Force as a second lieutenant. Continuing her education, Marsh enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program at the Harvard Kennedy School.
About Madison Marsh
Marsh secured the title of Miss Academy 2023, an exclusive pageant for female students of the US Air Force Academy, in 2023. She subsequently qualified for and won the Miss Colorado 2023 pageant in May 2023. As an active-duty military officer, Marsh made history as the first Miss America competitor from the US Military Forces when she competed as Miss Colorado. She was selected to compete in the Miss America 2024 contest.
On January 14, 2024, the Miss America 2024 pageant took place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida. Marsh progressed through the Top 11 and then the Top 5 before being crowned the winner. As Miss America 2024, Marsh made history by being the first representative of the United States Military Forces to win the pageant and the fourth woman to represent Colorado to claim the title. Additionally, she earned a $50,000 scholarship as part of her reward package to further her education.