The Austin College community was saddened to learn of the sudden death of Marsha K. Gathron at a local area hospital on Tuesday, August 4.Dr. Gathron, who made her home in Colbert, Oklahoma, had been a member of the Austin College education faculty for 12 years, and was a beloved colleague and teacher.
She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Ernest Gathron, Jr.
A memorial service, led by Austin College Chaplain Dr. John Williams, is scheduled for Thursday, August 13 at 6 p.m. in Wynne Chapel on the Austin College campus.
Dr. G,
ReplyDeleteYou literally changed my life. I can remember beginning your health policy class as a struggling pre-med student taking a non-science course because I needed a breadth requirement. By the end of that semester I knew that, through your class, I had finally found my true calling. The Janterm internship you set up for Lurissa and I at the health department was the best job experience you could have possibly given me, and I know we could not have survived it without your guidance.
I never got to tell you: I visited Berkeley school of public health this summer and that is definitely where I want to go for my Masters in Public Health. I know I can do it because you have prepared me well.
Thanks for always encouraging me. You have always been and will continue to be an inspiration. Whenever I "get on my soapbox" for change in public health, I will think of you.
Thanks for everything.
Dr. G, You were my first education professor as I transitioned from pre-med to education. Thank you for making me passionate as well as scared to death of my career choice. If you hadn't put the fear of God into me, I would have just strolled into this decision and backed out the second I stepped into my first student teaching position. Thanks to you, I KNOW I want to teach and I KNOW what I'm in for. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for always being there for me, for writing recs for me, for encouraging me, for even offering to talk to my parents with me about things I was scared to talk to them about. If I can be half the educator you were, I will consider myself a success.
And, just a random memory... One of my favorite things about you was whenever you were talking to us and your mind would start running faster than your mouth and you'd start stuttering. When you knew it was hopeless, you'd stop talking, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and say, "Now Marsha, you've got to just calm down, honey." I loved that because that ALWAYS happens to me, but I never figured out a way to deal with it as smoothly as you did. If/when that happens when I'm in my own classroom, I will definitely have to channel my inner Dr. G!
I miss you. Thank you.
I remember when she came to AC. What a neat lady and great teacher. You will be missed.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sarah
Dr. G,
ReplyDeleteYou picked me up and helped me to find my way again. Thank you for your guidance and your support. You have been a rock in my life.
I know that God is caring for you now.
All of my love and most sincere thanks,
Lurissa Tucker
My condolences to your family and to the Austin College family. I consider myself fortunate to have had a brief opportunity to meet Dr. Gathron at an alumni conference. What a woman of passion! Her inspiration and impact on the lives of others will be her legacy.
ReplyDeleteMarsha,
ReplyDeleteYou were maybe THE most joyful person I have ever known. I didnt have the pleasure of having you as my teacher, but as a customer and friend. You loved your family and I hope one day people will be as happy to see me coming down the street as they were to see you.
You are missed.
Dr. Gathron -
ReplyDeleteYou made me believe that I could be something that I never knew I could be. You gave everyone a voice and the chance to soar above the clouds. I am thankful for my time with you, albeit it only one class. Every week I was amazed at how much motivation you pumped into all of your students. I can't believe that you are gone, but you will always be in our hearts.
-NtS
My first year of teaching ended with the sad news that Dr. G would be leaving the ATP for a calling she had spoke of for years. I am very happy that I was able to attend her going away party and share with her my passion for teaching and thank her for making it possible. Without Dr. G, I wouldn't be where I am today. I now begin my second year of teaching with the extremely sad news that Dr. G is not only not in the Temple Center this fall, but no longer walking this earth spreading her cheer and wisdom. Dr. G, you are missed more that words can say.
ReplyDeleteDr. G took minds clouded with mud and helped form clear visions as to where life could lead. She never judged, but instead listened with a true heart and suggested possibilities. Dr. G was an inspriration to others and was never encountered without her smile and warm laugh. Every month this summer has held some type of sad news for the ATP. Let this be the last. We love you Dr. G.
Dr. G was undoubtedly one of the most memorable professors that I had at Austin College. I admired her passion and kindness and I know that we all had so many great times in class and made so many wonderful memories. We will miss you Dr. G.
ReplyDeleteJames "Q" Kowalewski
I had the wonderful experience of being a "queen in training" under the direction of Dr. Marsha Gathron. Dr. G as everyone calls her, known as Marsha to me, was a very special lady in my life. At SEOSU in Durant, Dr. G taught,encouraged, fed me pineapple..(26 years later,I still can't eat it) ran with me so I could get my miles in for the day, made me laugh when I thought I couldn't, threw fits for me (a queen wasn't allowed to), taught me poise, confidence and how to lose gracefully.
ReplyDeleteMarsha was not just an instructor, chapperone, or physical trainer...she was a good friend. The kind that doesn't come in to one's life very often. So I know all who were a part of her life are hurting deeply at this time. When either of us were down, she always had me sing the song, "More Than Wonderful"...she knew who caused the sun to rise and set each day, she knew that through good or bad, Christ is more Wonderful than any mind can conceive. I know that even though it may seem impossible to bear for some right now, He is there to comfort us in this loss. Thank-you Father for allowing Dr. Marsha Gathron be a part of my life.
The only class I had with Dr. Gathron was way back in 1984...and it was an Aerobics class. She put us on a healthy weight loss program and worked our butts off 3 days a week. The only time in my life I ever enjoyed 'working out' was totally due to her encouragement, her enthusiasm, and her persistence. She was an awesome person....with a glow and a smile this former student and friend will never forget!! If only there were more people like her in this world....we would all be much better off!! Looking forward to seeing that smile once again at that great reunion in Heaven!!
ReplyDeleteDr. G was my guiding light, she taught to learn and grow with passion. To always fight for what you believe in. In her classroom, I experienced joy for public health. What it means to practice what you preach...she was a living breathing example of what a mentor should be...
ReplyDeleteShe will be missed dearly.
M
Dr G,
ReplyDeleteI came to the AC website to find out information about a science class I took because I need it for my MS Ed in Teaching program at St. John's University. When I saw "remembering Dr. Gathron" my mouth dropped open and all I could think of was oh my God, not Dr. G.
I can't begin to describe how wonderful you made me feel the year I graduated in 2003. You vowed to support my endeavours in the health field and though I chose the arts, I've always found a way to include public health in my CV because your class on Women's Health and the Public Healthcare System taught me that minority voices are just as important as artistic ones.
I can't believe you are gone, especially because we never got a chance to go to the movies during one of your trips to McKinney or catch up about my life and my success. I know God knows you best and knows what your path is for His plan and I trust that you understand this better than anyone. All my condolences to your family because I know they are hurting and the lesson you taught me about family, success and being supportive will never be forgotten.
Always and forever,
RonAmber Deloney
Dear Marsha,
ReplyDeleteYou became my dear friend and confident over 20 years ago; I'm extremely saddened by your sudden death. You were just in Memphis as we celebrated Crystal's wedding; you jumped in and provided so much assistance. I love you so much and you will always have a special place in my heart. I'll see you in Heaven some day!
Love,
Helen & Family
I too had the opportunity of a lifetime to spend a year with Marsha as my life coach, my cheerleader, my trainer, my chaperone and my pineapple feeder. Boy! She thought pineapple was the key to it all. I too struggle with eating it to this day......some 23 years later. Marsha taught me to think for myself, stand strongly behind my opinions, walk with confidence and poise, and work a crowd! She filled my days with laughter, believed in me, and was never afraid to call it like she saw it. She told me one day, "GIRL, YOU ARE GREEN!" She helped me mature in many ways. I will always treasure my life changing moments traveling Oklahoma with Marsha leading the way. She was an amazing person, who left an amazing legacy of people who love and adore her and will never forget the lessons she taught them. Love you always Marsha.
ReplyDeleteAs a colleague and frind who has worked with you on various committees I thought I was sad when I learned you were leaving AC for your dream but when I learned of your death I was devasted. Your smile could make the sun shine, the flowers bloom , the tired refreshed, the sad happy and the dicouraged renewed. You were one of a kind. Rest Now !!
ReplyDeleteI was there for Marsha's first year. She was so sweet and offered lots of words of encouragement. I remember her laughing at all of the antics of us in the Austin Teacher Program. I winded up transferring out of Austin College after the Spring semester in 1999 and she would probably be glad to know that I did become a teacher. She was a kind hearted person that brought joy to many. Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteDr. G,
ReplyDeleteYou made me realize that no matter how I do it, I am meant to be a teacher. You helped me harness it as a natural gift, and I will always cherish your hard work, joyful nature, and steadfast support.
God bless.
17 years ago....at Ohio University.....you believed in me when I didn't. Because of your support and faith you changed the course of my life for the better. I will always be grateful to have had the opportunity to be taught by and guided by you.....Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDarcy
I had the privilege of both having Dr. G as a professor and the patron of my sorority during my time a Austin College. The ladies of Delta Phi Nu are honoring her memory by making donations to the Kay Peurifoy Memorial Scholarship, which we established that sends juniors and seniors on a JanTerm abroad that have not already studied abroad. We welcome other alumni to join us by contributing to the scholarship. Just send a check written to the Kay Peurifoy Scholarship and note that you are making the contribution in Dr. G's name.
ReplyDeleteSincere condolences to Mr. Gathron and your family. I came to know Dr. G through her Intl Public Health Problems class, which I took during a Jan Term back in '00. This course inspired me to pursue my MPH and a career in intl public health. Even after leaving AC, we stayed in touch and most recently a couple of weeks before she died, we talked about meeting in Sherman as I was home in Dallas for a visit. I am so saddened to hear of her death and will always remember her big smile, warmth and wise words.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that I am deeply saddened by this news, and I hope that your family finds comfort. I took your Women's Health class back at Austin College -- one of the very first classes you taught at our school. You were a very energetic and enthusiastic professor. Your brilliance was infectious and inspiring. And, I am very honored to have known you.
ReplyDeleteDr. G,
ReplyDeleteYou truly were an inspiration to me. Thank you for introducing me to the field of public health. I was a struggling pre-med student, when I took your women's public health Jan-term. You ignited a passion for population-level health that still lives strongly inside me today. Thank you for your encouragement to attend the University of Michigan School of Public Health. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your guidance.
~Julia Schlueter, ‘04
I only met Marsha once, at the Alumni College weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed her presentations, her comments, her humor, her wit, and her expertise! I am stunned to hear of her death. My prayers are with her family and her colleagues. She will be missed.
ReplyDelete