Marjorie Land Sacre

Former Orange Bowl Queen and consummate southern belle Marjorie Wilson Land Sacre died in Seattle on October 31, 2008. Known as “Margie,” she was beloved by both family and many admiring friends. She brightened the world with her wit and warmth. Margie was born on February 26, 1926 in Austell, Georgia, to Howard and Nell Rae Land. She grew up in Austell, and graduated from North Georgia College in Dahlonega. A talented artist, Margie taught art at Georgia State College with famed artist Leone Bowers Hamilton. Later, she moved with her family to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where she worked at the First National Bank and as a swimsuit model, gracing the covers of regional publications, and was voted Miss Fort Lauderdale and an Orange Bowl Queen in 1947. In 1956, Margie married William A. Sacre, of Augusta, Georgia, a casualty underwriter for Aetna Insurance. Bill was transferred to Washington State and they lived in Bellevue and Issaquah, where Margie continued with her own art, taught art classes in their home, and was active in Daughters of the American Revolution and United Daughters of the Confederacy. She was a Delegate to the 1964 National Republican Convention in San Francisco, California, meeting both Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater. Life changed again when Bill took early retirement in 1983, and they moved to Whidbey Island. He became President of the Puget Sound Council, then a member of the board of the National Association of Investors Corporation. Margie frequently traveled around the country with Bill to his various speaking engagements. They also took cruises and traveled to many different countries. They were avid skiers.Wherever they went, they always made new friends.A perfect retirement, Margie had a knack for striking up conversations with people whenever she came across the opportunity. Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Sacre; her parents; her brother, Howard M. Land, Jr.; and her sisters, Gloria C. Land Richards and Madeline J. Land Miller. She is survived by her sister, Beverly A. Land Dill of Doraville, Georgia; her nephews, Paul Dill of Stafford, Virginia, Jeff Richards of Agoura Hills, California, and Bill Hitz, of Lawrenceville, Georgia; grand-niece Kira Ann Dill of Stafford, Viriginia, grand-nephew Brian Charles Dill of Stafford, Virginia , and her sister-in-law, Betty Hitz, of Atlanta. Loving memories of Margie will live forever. Margie’s Christian faith sustained her throughout her life. A celebration of Margie’s life will be held on Monday, April 13 at 11:00 AM at Roy Davis Funeral Home, 5935 Mulberry Street SW Austell, GA 30168 (770-948-2552).Burial will be immediately afterward at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Austell.