Marian Gotko Dampier

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected yet peaceful passing of our mother, grandmother, and friend, Marian Gotko Dampier. She was surrounded by family when she joined her eternal companion, Joel Jackson Dampier, her daughter, Susan E. Singer, and her parents, Raymond F. Gotko and Kate Lee Gotko, in Heaven on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

Marian was born on March 15, 1935, in Spartanburg, SC, with a song in her heart. As a military family member, she grew up moving from South Carolina to California to Chicago with her family. She graduated from Converse College in Spartanburg with a Bachelor of Music Education degree and from the University of Georgia with a master’s degree in Music Education. Before retiring from Robins Elementary School, she enjoyed over 40 years as an elementary music teacher and music director. Over the years, Marian brought music to so many people, from singing the National Anthem at a Brave’s game, being a founding member and directing the middle Georgia Sweet Adeline chapter chorus, now called Sweet Georgia Sound, and teaching piano and music to homeschoolers and children with autism. Marian was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Warner Robins and attended St. Andrews Episcopal in Fort Valley.

Over and above her love of music, Marian was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and aunt to her family. She was faithfully devoted to Joel as the two shared a bond of love that everyone admired. Marian was known for her ever-ready smile and willingness to help where needed. She was a light of joy whenever she entered the room. She loved to sing and she brought joy to the world with her beautiful voice.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Lynmarie Rae Storey Pye (Craig), Monica Singer Franklin (Doug) and Joel Matthew Dampier, Sr. (Gina); her grandchildren, Joel Matthew Dampier, Jr., Audrey Patsy Dampier, and Donna Ashley Pye; brother, Dr. Ray Gotko (Lynda); niece, Kathryn Gotko Bruce (Alex); nephew, Daniel Gotko; great nieces and nephews, Allison Bruce, Carolyn Bruce, Jameson Gotko and Waden Gotko.

Visitation with Marian’s family will be on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A second visitation will be on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Fort Valley with a funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Marian will be laid to rest next to Joel in Andersonville National Cemetery that afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

To read a full article about Marian's life follow this link to Houston County Living Magazine at https://issuu.com/withyouinmindpublications/docs/001s_9ec3bac1297859/152

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.