Marsha Crawford Powell
Marsha Crawford Powell, 69, passed away peacefully in her home on October 24, 2021 after fighting a courageous battle against metastatic breast cancer. Marsha was loved and will be remembered as beautiful, passionate, devout, loving, talented, intelligent and humorous by her family and her many friends, students and colleagues. Marsha was an Atlanta native, growing up in Buckhead and attending Dykes High School before matriculating at Auburn University, where she earned a BS in Music Education with a minor in Shakespeare. Marsha was a member of Phi Mu social sorority. Marsha later earned a Master in Education from Mercer University and then a second Master in Education Administration from The University of West Georgia. Marsha lived (and thrived) in Sandy Springs with Tommy, her husband of over 48 years.
Marsha retired from The Mount Vernon School in Sandy Springs in the summer of 2014, after 37 years as a revered teacher, administrator, colleague, and friend. To plagiarize a piece of the school’s tribute to Marsha “…this force of a leader was an integral part of Mount Vernon’s foundation and ultimately, the success the School experiences today. While her goal was to help each individual land on the ideal (college) campus, her personal mission was to discover, guide, counsel, and love each graduate.”
Marsha’s service to the Lord also manifested in her dedication and devotion to the administration and congregation of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. She was the Co-chair of the Flower Guild, served on the Altar Guild, was a member of the Handbell Choir, served on the Administration Board, ushered on Team Four with Tommy, and occasionally sang in the volunteer choir. She was also a very active member of The Morning Light Bible Study at PRUMC.
Marsha was a member of The Sandy Springs Society, a charitable organization of women dedicated to improving the quality of life in Sandy Springs through non-profit organizational promotion of the arts, heritage, education, environment and social services in the Sandy Springs community.
Marsha was also an avid reader and a member of the MargaReaders Book Club, and often required her group to read long, non-fictional, historical books, such as the Biography of Coco Chanel. She then hosted the review session, where she requested all wear black dresses and pearls. Marsha was always the quintessential educator and fun-filled hostess.
Marsha and Tommy have been life-long members of The Cherokee Town & Country Club and are active contributors and participators in various educational and athletic programs at their beloved alma-mater, Auburn University.
Marsha has been united in heaven with her precious mama, Jean, who amazingly died the same date fourteen years ago. Marsha is survived by her husband Tommy, her father Paul, her eleven brothers and sisters through marriage, and her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.
A Memorial Service will be held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (3180 Peachtree Rd) in Buckhead on Tuesday, November 2nd at noon, followed by a reception at The Estate (3109 Piedmont Rd). The PRUMC service will be live streamed and can be remotely viewed: https://vimeo.com/639124524
In addition to her love of flowers, contributions could be made to The Sandy Springs Society (https://sandyspringssociety.org/donate).
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So sorry for your loss. I pray for peace in your heart, now that she is finally at peace.
God bless,
Martha Heun
(Z’s sister)
Marsha and I were both College Counselors and members of SACAC and the Sandy Springs Society. She will truly be missed within SSS. Marsha was very artistic, talented, and dedicated to making sure she accomplished every task with humor and passion. My heart goes out to Tommy and her father.
Marsh, how will I navigate life without you. You have been my best friend for 51 years. I will miss you every day I have left but someday, some sweet day, we’ll be together again. Save me a good seat.
A kind, sweet, beautiful human being gone far too soon. Thx for your friendship and love.
Marsha was my favorite teacher. Never did anyone else live up to her. Our Georgia-Auburn rivalry was special long after I left Mt. Vernon. I published my autobiography & she was more than just a mention. She did my postural drainage therapy on a trip so my parents did not have to come. Mrs. Powell, we love you & will miss you. Love, Andy
Marsha-my colleague and dear, dear friend, I will miss you terribly! You were above and beyond as a person, a teacher, a friend and a mentor to so many students! Working with you, traveling with you, just being your friend was a highlight in my life! Rest in peace! I know you will bring your lovely smile and big heart to all those you meet in Heaven!
Marsha was one of those people who no one forgets. She left a wonderful mark everywhere she went and she has last an everlasting mark on my heart! Knowing her first as her student, then a colleague and a friend is something I’ll cherish forever! She was definitely one of my favorite teachers I ever was lucky to have and she is by far one of my favorite people! I’ll miss her laugh, her telling kids “boo hiss” when she wasn’t happy with something they did, joking around with her and her smile! Love and miss you Marsha!! – Love, Molly Christian Crane
My deepest apologies to the Powell family for your loss. Mrs Powell was my favorite teacher. I always think of her so I told myself look her up only to find out of her passing. She was the most amazing person. I remember her laugh, smile,voice and when she played kickball with us in the old court yard. In my early twenties I would visit her and the kids would ask if was the one who made the hippo pencil holder. It would make me laugh. Mrs Powell never forget any of her students,she loved each and everyone one of us no matter what. Gods speed Mrs Powell you will be missed.