Dr. Mary Ben Christiansen

Dr. Mary Ben Christiansen, 94, of Newnan, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Piedmont Newnan Hospital. She was born September 11, 1931, in Atlanta, GA, to the late George E. Erwin & Mary Ben Erwin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Rick Rogers, Sean McDorman, her husbands, John McDorman and Chris Christiansen.

Mary Ben was an only child who grew up in Avondale Estates, just outside of Atlanta, and later graduated from Atlanta High School. She went on to receive her bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate in Education from the University of Georgia. She became the third Director of the Howard schools in the early 1970s, and later the head of The Heritage School in Newnan, GA. She was also one of DeKalb County's first school psychologists. She was a member of Women Alone Together (WAT), a massive patron of the arts & was on the Advisory board at The Nixon Centre. In addition, she was a member of the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society, Coweta Kiwanis Club, and contributed heavily to several charities in the US and abroad. She was a world traveler (quite literally) but loved "her beach" on 30A in Florida the most. Alongside her many achievements, she was an excellent pianist, a talented cook, and a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

The memorial service is 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with The Reverend Winston Arthur officiating. Following the service, the family will greet friends in the church parish hall. Rather than flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 576 Roscoe Rd, Newnan, GA 30263.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com

Survivors include son, Peyton McDorman & wife Annie; granddaughters, Mallory Andrews & husband Joe, Brittany Spence & husband Nick; great-grandchildren, Blakely Andrews, Levi Andrews, Charlie Andrews, Dawson Spence, Kameron Spence, Raelyn Spence, and Fisher Spence.

McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580