An 81-year-old Memphis woman affectionately known as “Momma” has finally received the keys to a new home after spending months living in her car following years of hardship and deteriorating living conditions.
Christine Marshall’s story first captured the attention of the community in July 2025 when Action News 5 visited her property on South Parkway West. At the time, Marshall had been sleeping in her vehicle in the driveway after a tree fell on her already damaged home, leaving it uninhabitable.
Marshall said the house had been in poor condition for years before the roof collapsed and the air conditioning system failed. With nowhere else to go, she relied on her car for shelter while hoping for a solution.
That solution came through generous strangers who stepped forward to help after learning about her situation.
Donations Inspire a Community Effort
Following the television report, support poured in from across the Mid South. A GoFundMe campaign launched after the story aired raised nearly $80,000 to help with rebuilding efforts.
However, one man decided to go even further.
Jason Smith, owner of Titan Drywall and Construction, took on the task of rebuilding Marshall’s home and invested his own resources into making the project a reality.
What started as an effort to help one woman soon became a community-wide mission, with volunteers and donors contributing to ensure Marshall would once again have a safe and comfortable place to live.
The support highlighted the power of people coming together to help someone in need and demonstrated how one act of kindness can inspire many others.
Delays Could Not Stop the Project
Despite the overwhelming support, rebuilding the home was not without difficulties.
Smith said the project faced several setbacks throughout the process. Among the challenges were issues involving code enforcement requirements, delays related to Memphis Light, Gas and Water services, and weather-related interruptions.
Those obstacles slowed progress and extended the timeline, but they did not stop the work from continuing.
Through months of determination, Smith and others involved remained committed to completing the project and ensuring Marshall could return to a permanent residence.
The long journey tested everyone involved, but supporters stayed focused on providing “Momma” with a fresh start after a difficult chapter in her life.
‘Momma’ Finally Receives the Keys
Nearly a year after viewers first learned about her circumstances, Marshall officially received the keys to her newly rebuilt home.
The emotional milestone marked the end of a long period of uncertainty and the beginning of a new chapter for the beloved Memphis resident.
For Marshall, who had endured life inside her vehicle after losing the comfort and security of her home, the moment represented far more than simply moving into a house. It symbolised stability, dignity and the compassion shown by countless people who refused to let her struggle alone.
Her story has become a powerful example of what communities can achieve when people unite to support those facing hardship.
After months of challenges and countless hours of work, “Momma” is finally back where she belongs, at home.