Marie Carter Washburn

Born in Hiltons, VA on June 27, 1939 to John and Laura (O’Neal) Carter, she and her beloved

brother, Neal, were raised by Harrison “Harry” (Grandaddy) and Lucinda (Granny) McNutt after

her mother’s death; followed immediately by her father’s deployment to World War II with the

U.S. Navy.

Marie was a loyal, loving mother, aunt, friend and, especially, “Somemommy” to her

grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She instilled in her family a love for the mountains of

her youth, reading, and a curiosity about a wide-range of subjects, upon which they typically

formed strong and often immovable opinions!

A graduate of Berea College in Kentucky with a B.A., Marie then attended the University of

Tennessee where she earned her M.A. in Counseling and later received her Ed.S. degree from

the University of West Georgia.

Marie’s natural leadership style flourished under the mentorship of Mr. Bobby Martin, and in

1973 she became principal of Cliftondale Elementary School in Cliftondale, GA. In 1984, she

became principal of Seaborn Lee Elementary School in College Park, GA.

As a single mom in the 1970s, Marie faced many societal and financial challenges and

obstacles. As an example, she wasn’t able to obtain a credit card in her name but she

persevered and broke through barriers. She inspired many with her determination and fierce

work ethic. She was proudest of the fact that all of her children earned college degrees and are

successful in their respective fields.

She retired in 1996 to begin her next chapter serving as a volunteer with many local

organizations until the pandemic began. Marie served faithfully as a volunteer with Meals on

Wheels, Piedmont Fayette Hospital Auxiliary, Peachtree City Library Board, Fayette County

Library Board, Flint River Regional Library Board, a student mentor at Peachtree City

Elementary School, South Fulton Retired Teacher’s Association, and the annual Alzheimer’s

Walk. Marie enjoyed spending time with her family, her many lifelong friends, a very special

Book Club, playing bridge, reading, and her Bunco group.

Marie is survived by son B. Scott and Sandy Washburn of Melbourne Beach, FL, daughter

Kristi and Steve Rapson of Sharpsburg, GA, and son Dr. Thomas and Shanon Washburn of

Milton, GA. Grandchildren include Shelley (David) Walton, Brent (Kiley) Washburn, Shane

Washburn, Stephanie Rapson, Andrew (Cortnee) Rapson, Sarah Beth Rapson, Wes Washburn

and Carter Washburn, and nine great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her niece Robin

Carter, nephews Brian (Cheryl) McClellan, Kirby (Florenda) Carter, Jimmy (Suzi) Carroll, their

children and grandchildren, her dear friend Fleda Little, and extended family members.

She was predeceased by her parents, siblings W. Neal Carter, Janet Carroll, David Carter, and

former husband Thomas L. Washburn, III.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 3 at Dogwood Church in Tyrone, GA. The

family will receive visitors between 10-11 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. with Dr. Keith

Moore officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Real Life Center (reallifecenter.org) whose mission

Marie faithfully supported, or by the gift of a contribution to the library of your choice.