Rebecca Susan Van Marter

Rebecca Susan Van Marter, 64, of Brookhaven, Georgia, passed away on May 16th, 2018, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Rebecca was a developer of people and a role model beyond compare, leaving the world a better place because of her dedication, determination, and investment in everyone around her. Professionally, she was an expert in community and organizational dynamics and a gifted leadership mentor, educator, and facilitator. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Pittsburgh and Master’s degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Arizona. As director of the nonprofit agency, the Community Forum in Phoenix, Rebecca was both a highly effective advocate for community cohesion and empowerment and a leadership trainer for at-risk youth. In her subsequent career, she managed the Family and Occupational Medicine practice in Anniston, Alabama before founding her own consulting firm, Partners in Excellence, an endeavor focused on personal and organizational development. Rebecca’s kindness, generosity, humor, and insight knew no bounds, and these were evident in Rebecca’s expression of her life’s passion for developing each and every person around her to achieve his or her greatest potential. Rebecca’s radiant smile lit every room. She embraced adventure and experienced life fully. Rebecca was devoted to her family and she was an enthusiastic traveler and outdoorswoman, joyfully embracing national and international travels, especially those that introduced her to new people and cultures and brought her to places of natural beauty. The splendor of the Grand Canyon and other natural wonders of the Southwest held a special place in her heart.

Rebecca was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Martha E. Van Marter and Dr. Neal D. Van Marter of Brookhaven, Georgia. In addition to her father, she is survived by her loving family: sisters, Linda J. Van Marter, Melissa V. (Mark) Hoggatt, Molly J. Van Marter and her brother Neal D. Van Marter, Jr. as well as her cherished nephew Neal D. Van Marter III, and nieces Christine H. (Michael) Emerson, Erica Hoggatt, Katherine Van Marter, and Laura Van Marter. Her family will miss her keen sense of adventure, extraordinary sense of humor, wise counsel, and her sparkling blue eyes.

A celebration of Rebecca’s life will be held on Thursday, May 24th, 2018 at 6:00 PM at Saint James United Methodist Church, 4400 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta with a reception to follow at The Renaissance, 3755 Peachtree Rd NE, Brookhaven, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Institute: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/account/630654 or any other charity.