Marsha McIntyre Lowe, a proud native of Jacksonville, Florida, was born Marsha McIntyre to Jefferey and Vernell McIntyre, and raised on Ken Knight Drive and in the Sherwood Forest community. She graduated from Jean Ribault Senior High School as a proud Trojan at the age of 16 and was accepted into Florida A&M University. However, she chose to pursue her passion for beauty and law by attending Florida State College of Jacksonville, where she earned her Cosmetology license in 1994.
Soon after, Marsha began her journey into motherhood and has been a devoted “Mama
Bear” to her four boys and their friends ever since—affectionately known to many as Ma Dukes.
Recognized and beloved by countless young people, Marsha has dedicated much of her life to nurturing and empowering youth. With a deep passion for instilling self-worth and purpose, she has tirelessly guided young minds to explore their talents and broaden their horizons beyond Duval County.
Her commitment includes providing unique experiences through trips and
teaching valuable lessons in etiquette, confidence, and navigating diverse environments.
Several years ago, Marsha took a significant step forward by founding Esther’s House, a vision originally inspired by her Godmother, Zelma Dickerson.
Esther’s House focuses on supporting at-risk girls in the community by offering classes in etiquette, financial literacy, cooking, hygiene, and essential life skills. The organization’s mission is to empower young girls to become confident, productive members of society.
In 2022, Marsha faced an unimaginable personal tragedy when her son became a survivor of gun violence after sustaining ten gunshot wounds. This life-altering experience led her to expand Esther’s House to include support for parents whose children have survived gun violence as well.
Recognizing a critical gap in community resources, Marsha became a pillar of strength for these families—offering compassion, guidance, and a safe space for healing.
Marsha’s resilience and advocacy reflect the powerful message she shares with at-risk teens in local schools: “If I can, so can you!” Her life’s work and the continued growth of Esther’s House stand as a testament to her unwavering commitment to uplifting others and building stronger communities.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Marsha has spent 32 years in Property and Asset Management, serving affordable housing communities throughout Jacksonville.
Throughout her career, she has led numerous community events focused on strengthening families and fostering unity.
She also assisted with the implementation of the Mayor’s Older Buddies program under Mayor John Delaney, which provided programs and events for Jacksonville seniors—a community she served for over ten years.
Marsha has a deep love and passion for God, and her faith has sustained her through all of the trials that she has faced throughout her life and career.
Above all, Marsha is a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend who embodies strong family values and community leadership.
She continues to fight for critical causes such as crime prevention, affordable housing, and jail and prison reform—advocating fiercely on behalf of families impacted by the justice system, including her own incarcerated and paralyzed son who was robbed of both his freedom and quality of life.
Marsha has long been a voice for the people, bridging the gap between the community and city officials. Her relatability, resilience, and lived experiences allow her to connect deeply with those she serves, as she has overcome many struggles and continues to transform adversity into action.