Marzelle Cowart Luke

Marzelle Cowart Luke, beloved matriarch and educator, died March 1, 2016. A native of Cartersville, Georgia, Mrs. Luke was the daughter of Clarence and Maxie Cowart. A devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Marzelle’s striking looks, signature dimpled smile and gentile nature enchanted all who knew her. Upon graduating from Carterville High School, she went on to receive her BS in Education from Georgia State College for Women. Shortly after completing College she married her lifelong love, Claude William Luke. Claude William (Billy) Luke, and Marzelle were married in 1950. An elementary education teacher in the DeKalb County School System for 15 years, Mrs. Luke set a standard for the time for successfully balancing work and family, raising two children and running a household throughout her career. Blending high expectations with gentle guidance in the classroom, Mrs. Luke helped inspire and encourage hundreds of students through their fifth grade year and beyond. Throughout their marriage, the Lukes enjoyed spending weekends at their homes on Lake Lanier and later in Highlands, N. C. She was a dedicated member of Cumming First United Methodist Church, and a long standing member of Chapter AE of P.E.O, Cumming, Georgia. Marzelle will be remembered for her grace, humor, generosity, and charm. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy and son, Dr. C. Michael Luke. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Donna Luke Sands (Stan), grandson, Dean Sands (Ashley) and their children Tuck, Christian and Lily; granddaughter, Katherine Sands Deere (Jason); daughter-in-law Susan Harriot Luke and granddaughter, Nora Kathryn Luke, sister Nell Murphy, (Edward), and nephew Ken Murphy (Amy). A memorial service will be held Monday, March 7 at 12:00 PM, at Patterson’s Oglethorpe Hill with a reception immediately following at the Capital City Club, 53 West Brookhaven Drive, Atlanta, Georgia until 2:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Cumming First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at H.M. Patterson & Son, Oglethorpe Hill, 4550 Peachtree Road, NE, Brookhaven, Georgia, 30319.