Dr. Miriam Koontz Drucker

Dr. Miriam Koontz Drucker of Decatur, Georgia, died after a brief illness on January 25, 2017. Born February 3, 1925, in Mechanicsburg, PA, to Dr. Paul R. and Elizabeth Lau Koontz, Miriam spent her lifetime seeking to educate and help others find their way to lives of purpose and dignity. Her formal studies began at Dickinson College where she earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology, continued at Emory University with a Masters in Psychology and culminated with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at George Peabody College for Teachers. Her desire for learning never ended: her keen intellect and boundless curiosity made her a life-long student.
Before beginning her thirty-five year tenure at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, Miriam taught at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, at Monticello College, Alton, Illinois, and at George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, Tennessee. At Agnes Scott, she earned a full professorship, served as chair of the Department of Psychology for eighteen years, and was named Charles A. Dana Professor of Psychology in 1981. With a boundless love of teaching equal to her thirst for learning, Miriam produced distinguished publications and lectures to enrich the field of study she loved and to share insights with her colleagues and beloved students.
In her years of teaching at Agnes Scott College, many of Dr. Drucker's students experienced both the thrill of receiving one of the rare A's on a class paper and the disgrace of arriving late to class. Her strong sense of right and wrong, her willingness to fight for what she believed to be right, and her high expectations of both herself and her students created an exhilarating atmosphere for learning.
She had a particular interest in Agnes Scott women who began college later in life than the traditional students. Recognizing their unique needs as non-traditional students, Miriam organized a support group for what was then called the Return-To-College Program. Every Monday at lunch she offered counseling and camaraderie to these women often experiencing self-doubt as they navigated the transition to a rigorous academic environment.
Miriam and Mel – few can think of Dr. Drucker and not also think of her dear husband, Mel -- were steadfast friends to students and former students during
her Agnes Scott tenure and long after her retirement. Her students -- who went on to become doctors, mothers, mental health professionals, ministers, wives, counselors, scientists, insurance executives and other life paths -- will always be grateful for the part she had in their growth into thoughtful, inquiring and productive citizens.
Gué Hudson, a dear friend and colleague, remembers Miriam's wisdom, friendship and strength. She related that "Miriam was a regular at our Thanksgiving table. She loved our sons and they loved her. Years ago one of my sons once told Miriam that he thought of her as Yoda from Star Wars. She was at first perplexed and then delighted to be described as Yoda, once my son told her that Yoda was wise, caring and strong. Miriam's death leaves the Hudsons without an integral part of our lives, and we will continue to miss and remember her."
In addition to her parents, Miriam is predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Melvin B. Drucker. She is survived by her sister Martha Jane Zackert of Tallahassee, Florida, her beloved nieces, devoted Agnes Scott colleagues, former students, dear friends from her home at Arbor Terrace, and many fellow members at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 in the sanctuary of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030.
In lieu of flowers Dr. Drucker would have appreciated her memory being honored with contributions to the Miriam Koontz Drucker Scholarship Fund at Agnes Scott College, 141 East College Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 or to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory.