Nancy McMillan MacPherson

It is with great sadness but also joy in the triumphant, we announce the passing of Nancy McMillan MacPherson into the rewards of our blessed Lord’s home. Surrounded by her family, Nancy passed away peacefully on June 12, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Robert Stewart MacPherson, mother of three and grandmother of nine adoring grandchildren and one great grandchild and friend to so many, Nancy nourished all those around her with her faith, love, wit, wise counsel and encouragement. A life-long resident of Marietta, Nancy was born on June 6, 1934 at Marietta City Hospital at Cherokee and Haynes Street. The fourth of five daughters of George Huie McMillan and Evelyn Longley McMillan, Nancy lived her first few years in Acworth in the James Wilson McMillan family residence which is now located at the corner of Collins Avenue and Main Street. In 1937, Nancy’s family moved to Lawrence Street in Marietta where she grew up and graduated from Marietta High School in 1952. The next fall she followed her elder sister, Mary Edith to Maryville College in Tennessee. Two years later she transferred to Georgia State and began working at Rich’s Department store in downtown Atlanta while living in Marietta. While running an errand at Dupre’s store, she met the love of her life and soulmate for sixty-three years, Bob MacPherson, who was also a student at Georgia State and living in Marietta. In June of 1956, Nancy graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Education and two months later married Bob at Marietta First Presbyterian Church. For two years Nancy taught at Marietta High School before starting her career as homemaker, taxi service to many music and sports activities, volunteer and mother to daughter, Eve and sons, Rob and Pat. From 1977 until 1987, Nancy taught many kindergarteners at Marietta First Presbyterian Church. She continued working in education in a different capacity for five years as an education consultant at Office Sales and Service on the Square. Over the years she enjoyed volunteering with the Cobb Marietta Junior League and starting up the Youth Museum at Kennesaw Mountain National Park, becoming a member of Cobb Landmarks and an advocate and docent for the Root House. She supported the Mars Hill Cemetery Board, served as co-chairman for First Presbyterian Church’s 175th Anniversary celebration and delivered Meals on Wheels. Nancy’s passions included growing her faith in God, her family (extended as well as immediate), preserving Cobb County and Marietta’s history and later in life, travel. After Bob’s retirement from the Coca-Cola Company, Nancy and Bob enjoyed 15 years of domestic and international travel. Visiting over thirty countries and sharing adventurous experiences like China, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, the Caribbean, Alaska, Russia, France, Scotland, and Ireland, they found their favorite destination to be England. When not traveling or volunteering, Nancy and Bob enjoyed relaxing at their second home away, St. Simons Island where they entertained many visiting family and friends. Nancy adored her church family, was a devoted follower of Christ, enjoyed organizing many Bible Study groups, teaching Sunday School, entertaining her church family and volunteering for many church events. She later became a Covenant Partner of Marietta Community Church where she enjoyed participating in worship and the study of God’s word. A devoted daughter, sister, mother, “Mother In Love”, adored aunt, “Nana” and friend, she excelled in teaching her family faith, responsibility, generosity, and serving others. She missed her Winnwood family but enjoyed the new friendships and Christian fellowship with the staff at Delmar Gardens who lovingly took care of her. Nancy’s children, Eve Kool (Rick-deceased), her sons, Rob MacPherson (Charlene) and Pat MacPherson (Bridget), of Marietta, GA hope to continue Nancy’s legacy of Christian love. She took great delight and pride in each of her treasured grandchildren: Nancy Kool Martinez (Michael) of Powder Springs, GA, David MacPherson (Mary) of Washington, DC, Lucy Kool Wilde (Jon) of Kalamazoo, MI, Alexis MacPherson, Liam MacPherson, James MacPherson, Mary Emmalyn MacPherson, Sean MacPherson, Rose Jeanne MacPherson and her most recent delight great grandson Jace Martinez of Marietta, GA. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Josephine Mize, Martha Somoza, Mary Edith Sutton and Lilouise Disharoon. Services for Nancy will be held on Monday, June 27 at 2 pm at Marietta First Baptist Church. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 26 from 3 pm to 5 pm at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home. For those who would like to honor Nancy, donations may be made in her memory to Cobb Landmarks, Thornwell Children’s Home, or the church or charity of your choice.

Nancy McMillan MacPherson

June 6, 1934 - June 12, 2022