Margaret Anne DuPree Carswell, 79, of Macon, Georgia, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Hart’s at the Cupola.  The family will greet friends for a reception following the service. 

Daughter of the late John Thomas DuPree and Laura Eudora McClain DuPree, Margaret Anne was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 9, 1945. Her academic journey began at Mercer University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Spanish, igniting a lifelong passion for culture and language. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Emory University, where she earned a Master’s degree in education. Margaret Anne continued her studies at the University of Georgia where she earned a Ph.D. in education. 

Over a thirty year career, she worked as a curriculum director in the Wilkinson County Schools, taught in a variety of capacities in the Bibb County Schools, including special needs preschool, and also worked as a librarian in schools including Riley Elementary, the Georgia Academy for the Blind, and Central High School.  As a newlywed, she even taught at a Department of Defense school in Sicily, Italy while her husband served in the Navy. She also enjoyed teaching children’s literature courses to teachers at Mercer University. A lifelong learner, Margaret Anne studied at Spanish language schools in Madrid and Santiago de Compostela and participated in the Oxford Experience in Oxford, England.

Margaret Anne was awarded a Kellogg Grant to focus on storytelling. She brought words to life, founding the storytelling circle named Word Weavers, and participating in the Southern Order of Storytellers.  She participated in many professional storytelling programs and conferences and delighted in telling stories and reading to children in many public libraries and schools.

She delighted in traveling stateside and abroad with her husband, George, on such trips as tagging puffins in Maine and exploring New Zealand, Europe, and Antarctica to name a few.

Margaret Anne enjoyed spending time at Theatre Macon and Macon Little Theatre as an actress and volunteer, as well as an enthusiastic patron. She enjoyed volunteering with Friends of the Library and was a lifetime member.  She also worked as a standardized patient at the Mercer University School of Medicine.  Margaret Anne enjoyed nature and gardening and volunteered as a Master Gardener.  She loved animals and gave a loving home to many rescue dogs, as well as parakeets, cockatiels and two parrots.

Family was central to Margaret Anne’s life, and she was devoted to her siblings, children, grandchildren and extended family.  Margaret Anne is survived by her two daughters, Eva Courtney Carswell Van De Water (Eric) of Decatur, Georgia and Margaret DuPree Carswell Harrington  (Luke) of Macon; grandchildren: Davis DuPree Van De Water,  Alexander Joseph Van De Water, Paul Carswell Harrington and John Barry Harrington; sisters, Nancy DuPree (Rob Rodatus) and Donna Valbuena (Joe); and brother, John Thomas DuPree. 

In addition to her parents, Margaret Anne was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, George Henry Carswell, III; brother, George William DuPree; and nephew, Matthew George DuPree. 

The family wishes to express gratitude to the private caregivers and healthcare workers at Carlyle Place who lovingly cared for Margaret Anne over the last several years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Library at 5494 Fund, Community Foundation of Central Georgia, 577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1600, Macon, GA 31201.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences. 

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.