Margie McGowan

Margie Carolyn, peacefully passed away on August 17,2023, at the age of 92, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 21, 1931, in Calhoun, Ga., to Roberta Poarch Johnson and Robert Lee Johnson.

Margie was a kind and delightful person who had a deep love for her family. She was always there to lend a helping hand to her loved ones and friends, known for her wonderful and accepting nature. Margie was an excellent listener, always willing to provide support and comfort.

Margie is survived by her children, Patricia McBee (Russell) and Kyle McGowan (Catherine), her grandchildren, Tyler and Conner McBee, and adopted granddaughter, Yulisa Cortez. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Tatum, and Tanner McBee. Margie shared a special bond with her dear friend, Bob Lewis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Amanda (Bobbie) Anderson, her son, Matthew Owen McGowan, and her beloved niece, Susan Carolyn Anderson.

Margie had an impressive educational background. She graduated from Calhoun High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Georgia. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree in education from Pace University and a Specialist degree in Education from Berry College.

Throughout her career, Margie held various roles, showcasing her diverse talents. She began her professional journey by working for Southern Bell in Atlanta, where she helped draft plans for future phone lines. Margie then pursued her passion for interior design in Manhattan, collaborating with renowned designers such as Jim Thompson of Thai Bok silk.

She later returned to her hometown and became an art teacher at CHS. Margie’s dedication to education led her to serve as a reading specialist at Red Bud elementary school.  She was passionate about ensuring that every child in her classes had at least one book to call their own.

Margie found solace and inspiration in her faith and was a member of the First United Methodist church of Calhoun.

In her free time, Margie indulged in her hobbies, which included genealogy research, drawing, writing poetry and in years past: ballroom dancing.  Her favorite Calhoun spot was Amakanata lake. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the DAR (Daughters of the American revolution) She was an avid fan of the UGA Bulldogs and never missed watching a game, passionately cheering for her favorite team.

A celebration of Margie’s life is planned for Sunday, August 27 at 2:00 pm at the Gordon County Historical Society. We kindly ask that if you have any pictures of Margie, please send them to Lmcbee22@gmail.com Additionally, we kindly ask that you bring a story to share about Margie at the gathering.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Calhoun/Gordon county Library, 100 N Park Ave, Calhoun, GA 30701 and put Margie’s name in the memo line. Additionally, there will be a box available to make donations in Margie’s name at the celebration. Your contributions will help promote literacy and education, causes that were close to her heart.