Maria D. Price

Maria Delfina Price, a longtime resident of Dunwoody, passed away on August 10, 2024, at the age of 89. In her final weeks, she was surrounded by the love and presence of her family and comforted by the Dunwoody United Methodist Church clergy. Her family ensured she felt the joy of having her as a mother and grandmother – a heartfelt goodbye gathering.

Born and raised in Vernon, Alabama, Maria graduated from Lamar County High School before attending the University of Alabama, where she earned a BA in Secondary Education. She was a proud member of Chi Omega, which she continued to support throughout her life. Her happiest days were when her daughter Sandra Chesnutt and granddaughter Mary Price Chesnutt Long became her sorority sisters.

During her sophomore year, Maria met the love of her life, Larry, while a summer school student at the Mexico City University in Mexico City. She purposely sought a job at Fairhope High School teaching Spanish to be close to Larry, who was in Navy flight school in Pensacola. Soon, they married and began an adventurous life of moving from Navy base to Navy base in the coastal United States. Most notably, Larry and Maria lived in Japan while Larry completed two tours. This allowed them an opportunity to realize their dream of living overseas. Maria was a supportive Navy wife who became a supportive corporate wife while raising three children. It wasn’t always easy, as the company uprooted the family every three years until their last child, David, was in high school here in Dunwoody. She loved calling Dunwoody home for these last 44 years. Maria continued teaching while raising her family. After further study in early childhood development, she taught elementary school for many years, finishing her career at Norcross Elementary. Her most gratifying moment as a teacher was teaching children who struggled to read.

Mrs. Price was a longtime, active member of Dunwoody United Methodist Church and a Rivermont Golf Club member. Although Maria didn’t play golf, she played a mean hand of bridge with members of Rivermont, ACT II, and in many, many bridge games anywhere she could find a willing group. Her family would often call to have her join them in an activity only to hear she couldn’t go because she had a bridge game. Unless, of course, a friend suggested that she and Larry go on a trip with them. In that case, she would be out the door, Larry in tow, whether to another state or another continent. Her answer to “Do you want to… “ was always, Yes! Maria was, at heart, a social being who loved being with friends.

Maria will again be with Larry, who died less than a year ago. Maria is survived by her children, Kathy and Eric Koenigsberg, Sandra Chesnutt, and David Price; grandchildren Zachary Koenigsberg (Nissa), Barton Koenigsberg, Mary Price Long (Stephen), and Tillman Chesnutt; great-grandchild Mabel Koenigsberg, who lovingly called her GiGi; and her many, many friends. Maria is especially remembered as the matriarch who created all the family traditions we will now lovingly pass on to the next generations. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Memorial Contributions be made to Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

Her service will be held at Dunwoody United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 14th at 11:00 AM.