Mrs. Marian Norman Bagwell

Marian Norman Bagwell of Alpharetta, GA died peacefully on August 9, 2016 at the age of 101. Marian was born to Nancy Shell Norman and Clifford Pierce Norman on October 17, 1914, in the historic Norman House on Cumming Street in Alpharetta. After graduating from Milton High School in 1931, she attended LaGrange College in LaGrange, GAwhere her mother also graduated in 1902 to become the first teacher in Milton County with a college degree. At LaGrange College Marian was president of her sorority, member of the glee club, president of the International Relations Club, and a member of the May Court each year. After graduation in 1935, with her B.S. in Music and Elementary Education, she began teaching music privately prior to beginning her first teaching job at Northwestern Elementary School in Crabapple, GA. On December 27, 1939, she became the first bride to be married in the Chapel of the First United Methodist Church of Alpharetta to Hewlett Bagwell. Her husband’s work in the cotton business took them from Alpharetta to Atlanta, Memphis, TN, Gainesville, Spartanburg, S.C., Greenwood, MSand back to Alpharetta upon his retirement in 1975. During these years, they had three daughters and eventually saw the birth of 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. After enjoying many years of gardening, blue ribbon winning flower arranging, painting, and, of course, her love of music, Marian went back to work as Director of Kindergarten at the First United Methodist Church of Alpharetta. She believed in using music in various ways with children and discovered the more she taught the more she liked teaching. She retired as director of the school after 20 years in 1994 where she saw the pre-school grow from 20 students to 120. After retirement, she enjoyed her continued involvement at the First United Methodist Church and rarely missed a senior event. She also remained active in the LaGrange College Alumni Society, serving as its President, and enjoyed her friends with the Alpharetta Garden Club. In addition to enjoying time at home with her family and friends, Marian loved traveling with them as well visiting a wide range of countries, including Russia, the UK, Germany and Austria. Upon her 100th Birthday, Marian was honored by the Alpharetta Garden Club and the Alpharetta Historical Society and was presented proclamations by the Mayor, the Governor, President Obama, as well as given a certificate of Lifetime Achievement from the Garden Club of Georgia. She was fond of her friends and the staff at Brickford Senior Living in her later years and appreciated their own celebration of her 100 years. Marian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hewlett and her sisters, Elizabeth Norman and Nelle Cobb Johnson. She is survived by her three daughters, Anita Guy, Nancy Black (Glenn) and Susan Owen (Chris), 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. A memorial service celebrating the life of Marian Bagwell will be held on Saturday, August 13 at 3:00 PM at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA (770-645-1414). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, 69 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

Mrs. Marian Norman Bagwell

October 17, 1914 - August 9, 2016