Marjorie Gates Day

Marjorie Gates Day, a long time resident of DeKalb County, passed on July 27, 2014 at the Halcyon Hospice in North Atlanta at the age of 95.

She was born in Union City, Georgia and grew up in College Park, graduating from Russell High School in 1936. She attended Agnes Scott College, transferring to Emory University in 1938, graduating in 1940 with a BS degree in Chemistry. She taught elementary school for two years before returning to Emory as a graduate student and laboratory assistant. There she met R. A. Day, Jr., an assistant Emory professor. She received an MS degree in Biochemistry in 1943 and married Dr. Day the same year.

After a brief honeymoon, the couple moved to Chicago and later Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where they worked on the Manhattan Project, which produced the first atomic bomb. Marjorie was in charge of the "animal farm" which managed lab mice, rats and rabbits used in radiation exposure experiments.

The end of World War II found her back in Atlanta, where she spent the next three decades raising four children, teaching kindergarten at Glenn Memorial Church and traveling whenever possible. After R. A.'s retirement, they spent much of the next 20 years touring the continental United States, Canada and Alaska in a camper.

In her later years, she was the gracious hostess for family events where she made sure that everyone was welcomed with food and fun activities.

She was noted for her love of family and close friendships (often corresponding in verse). She loved viewing the beauties of nature and being creative in her own garden. She enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and playing all types of games. As a lifetime learner, she was always interested in history, science and the eternal mysteries of the human spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene Caldwell and Cornelius Whittelsey Gates, husband R. A. Day, Jr., brother C. W. Gates, Jr., and her granddaughter Marina Alison Day. She is survived by four children and their spouses; Peter W. Day (Susan), Michael A. Day (Sharon), and Timothy G. Day (Melinda), and Patricia Day (Edward Mach); as well as four grandchildren William Alexander Day, Jennifer Day Chapell, Mackenzie Ann Day and Abigail Leigh Day;
one great-grandchild Marjorie Anne Chapell and many extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the non-profit Halcyon House Foundation at www.excellenceinhospice.com ("donate"). Please make donations in honor of "Marjorie G Day".

On Monday, August 25, 2014 the family will receive friends one hour prior to the Memorial Service at 2:00 PM in the chapel of A.S. Turner and Sons.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033