Marian Collins Bentley, 90, a longtime resident of Augusta, Georgia entered into rest on Friday, April 28, 2017.
A memorial service will be held at National Hills Baptist Church, 2725 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30909, on Monday, May 1st, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a private graveside service in Westover Memorial Park.
Born August 15, 1926 in Fort Deposit, Alabama, she was the only child of Arthur and Villa Collins. She was a graduate of Lowndes County High School in Fort Deposit. She continued her education at Auburn University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1948. She went on to receive her Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling in 1968 and also her Educational Specialist degree in 1971, both from Auburn University. She had an over 30 year career in education with the Richmond County Board of Education and served numerous schools in the County. She began at Langford Middle School as the Physical Education Teacher and the Girl’s Basketball Coach. She lead her Basketball team to two City Championships, a remarkable feat. Marian retired from Westside High School in 1988 after 14 years as the Guidance Counselor. She was an active member of local, state, and national professional organizations and also a life member of Georgia Retired Teachers Association and Auburn University Alumni Association.
Marian loved all sports and was The Number One Fan of the Auburn Tigers. She golfed for many years and was a regular patron at the Masters Tournaments. She was a prolific and avid gardener that enjoyed sharing her bounty with her family, friends, and acquaintances. She taught her family her secrets to gardening and fresh home cooking. Her memory will live on with her many delicious recipes she passed down. As a longtime member of National Hills Baptist Church, she served in various leadership roles in Sunday School and on Church committees.
She is survived by her son, Craig Collins Bentley and wife Gayle of Augusta and three granddaughters, Brooke Bentley Main (Eric) of Charleston, SC; Lauren Bentley Maddux (Tim) of Greenville, SC and Collin Claire Bentley of Atlanta, Ga. She is also survived by great grandchildren, Sam and Owen Maddux and Caroline, Heyward and Lila Main. Marian was beloved by her family and many close friends and will be missed by all who knew her.
The family wishes to give special recognition and thanks to her devoted caretaker and the wonderful staff at the Benton House.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Hills Baptist Church Building and Ground fund, 2725 Washington Road, Augusta, GA 30909.
Visitation will be held at Platt’s Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Ave. Augusta, GA 30904, on Sunday, April 30 from 5-7 p.m.