Dr. Mary Oellerich

March 15, 1925 - September 7, 2012

Doctor Mary Elizabeth Oellerich died peacefully on September 7, 2012, at the age of 87. Funeral Services will be held graveside at Oellerich Family Cemetery at Gracewood, GA., at 4 pm Tuesday, September 11, 2012. The service will be performed by her nephew, Dr. Ted Oellerich. Dr. Oellerich was born on March 12, 1925 at Gracewood, GA., the daughter of Mary Elizabeth Ernestine Baldowski and Charles Grover Oellerich. She was an educator for forty-seven years teaching grade schools in Richmond County, Georgia to multiple universities across the United States. Dr. Oellerich received many academic awards during her career. She had a scholarship to Newberry College graduating Cum Laude, received a National Science Foundation grant based on merit while working towards a doctorate at the University of Georgia, and was one of three women in the U.S. to receive a scholarship award from Alpha Delta Kappa based on academic merit. Dr. Oellerich taught in Richmond County for 13 years in the public schools, at the University of Georgia, Madison University in Virginia, University of Nevada at Reno, Georgia Southern, Edward Waters College as Director of Teacher Education, and at Georgia Southwestern University where she was Professor Emeritus. Dr. Oellerich served in numerous leadership roles, committee assignments, community service, professional presentations, and produced numerous publications in Mathematics and Science. Dr. Oellerich survived three husbands; Edward Eugene Murphy, building contractor; Laszlo Dalnoki Miklos, Lt. General in the Hungarian Army and Professor of Social Studies; and James Oakley White, electrical engineer. Survivors include: 11 nieces and nephews; Brenda Purvis Amerson, Mary Tussey Frew, Detrick Oellerich, Charles Oellerich, Martha Oellerich, Dr. Ted Oellerich, Robert Oellerich, Walter Oellerich, Barbara Oellerich Newkird, Julie Oellerich Thomas, and James Tussey. Family will receive friends Tuesday from 2 pm to 4 pm at Poteet Funeral Home, 3465 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, GA., 30906, 706.798.8886, with Graveside services to follow at 4 pm at the family cemetery.