Marjorie Mae Fitzgerald Farris Sanders

Marjorie Fitzgerald Sanders, 94 of Boone, North Carolina, also known as Dr Marjorie Farris PhD at Appalachian State University, joined the angels that came today for Marjorie, October 7, 2023, and delivered a wonderful, caring, thoughtful, loving lady to our Lord.  She had a wonderful life and achieved many accomplishments in her 94-year life here on earth.  Born October 16, 1929, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, then moved to New Kensington, PA in her early years. 

Marje’s greatest achievements were her education and her accomplishments with the many students she helped educate.  She graduated from Arnold High School, Arnold, Pennsylvania on May 29, 1947, and The University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida with a Bachelor of Education on February 3, 1958, Kansas State College of Pittsburg, Pittsburg, Kansas with a Master of Science degree on August 6, 1968, and the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia with a Doctor of Education degree on June 6, 1970.  Also, through this lustrous education march, she was also teaching many elementary and middle school reading and English classes and spending many hours and research in working with disability children on improving their English and reading abilities which also help them lead fruitful lives. 

In 1970, Marge joined the faculty of Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina then started her great, outstanding march to a super teaching career while achieving many honors.  Marge, in a short time, became head of the English Department, and she was recognized with many outstanding awards and bestowed accomplishments, in many assignments, through her great ability in local, state, and national reading groups.  Marge served on many boards and committees, was honored through many recognitions, including the international level.  Her students and colleagues will dearly miss Dr. Marjorie Farris, PhD.  She retired in 1993, but still maintained close relationships with the college. 

Marjorie was born to Floyd Forrest Fitzgerald and Lavina Black on October 16, 1929, had two brothers, Floyd Donald Fitsgerald (wife, Julia and daughter, Donna (husband, David T. Marovich, children: David, and Daniel (wife, Michelle, children: Miles, Max and Marshall)) and Thomas Glenn Fitzgerald (wife, Kathy, daughter, Lori, and son, Jason (wife, Jill, children Brogan and Brinnen)) and one sister, Norma Jean (Fitzgerald) Gallaher )Husband, Walter Gallaher).  Marjorie had no children with Walter Farris, when she married Paul Sanders, he had a son, Eric and daughter, Gina, husband Edward Leach and sons, Eric and Michael.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, brother Don, his wife Julie, brother Tom, his daughter Lori, Jason’s wife, Jill, and Marge’s sister Norma and her husband Walter and Marge’s husband Walter Farris, and husband Oliver Paul Sanders and Paul’s daughter, Gina and son Eric. 

Marge’s wishes were to be cremated and put to rest in Mount Lawn Cemetery overlooking Boone in the Dogwood crematory section. 

There will be a Memorial service held October 31, 2023, at 11am at the mausoleum at Mount Lawn Cemetery, 521 Old East King Street, Boone, North Carolina, and she will be put to rest in the Dogwood section after the small service. 

Please respond to Austin & Barnes website and post, if you will be attending the service, or also call Donna Marovich at 215-933-8433.

Thank you!

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