Karyn Schweiker-Marra

Karyn Elizabeth "Grammies" Schweiker-Marra (née Pollard), 77, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, in Fort Mitchell, Alabama. Born on August 8, 1948, in New Jersey, Karyn lived a life rich in love, faith, and service.

Karyn was raised in the traditions of Irish Roman Catholicism, attending Catholic school from an early age. Her deep Christian roots became a guiding force throughout her life. Later, upon meeting her third husband, she embraced the Episcopalian faith with equal devotion. As a dedicated member of her church community, she participated in numerous ministries and organizations, including the Daughters of the King at Trinity. She was known for never missing a midnight mass and made sure her children and grandchildren shared in those sacred traditions.

Throughout her life, Karyn embodied a spirit of generosity and compassion. She volunteered tirelessly—whether it was teaching boating safety to children as part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in North Carolina, reading to students across Columbus schools, or serving families through food pantries at local churches. Her commitment to helping others extended to the arts as well; she gave her time to the Springer Opera Theater, she volunteered at the Columbus Museum of Art and enjoyed being part of her community’s cultural life.

Education was one of Karyn’s greatest passions. Her love of learning led her to a long and extensive career in education. Her educational achievements include a Bachelors in Science in Reading, a Masters of Arts in Reading, Writing and Technology and ultimately a Doctor of Education at West Virginia University. Karyn began teaching Kindergarten through Sixth Grade in the West Virginia school district. She then parlayed her 25 years of experience teaching public school into instructing future educators at Frostburg State University, where she published many articles and publications, gave presentations at conferences around the country and was awarded several grants on education and technology. Karyn has created an impressive legacy of research influencing the next generation of educators. The highlights of this research include co-authoring a published volume on “Reading Psychology”, articles on “The Principal's Role in Effecting a Change in School Culture” and an article in The English Journal on “Ownership, Authorship, and Privacy in Process Writing Classrooms.”

Karyn had an infectious love for learning and storytelling. An avid reader from childhood, she had a remarkable ability to bring books to life for anyone who listened. Her creativity knew no bounds—she baked artistic cakes, knitted blankets for each grandchild with love stitched into every loop, and eventually co-founded a small crafting business with her daughter. Together they traveled across the South attending vendor events and connecting with people through their shared passion.

Her enthusiasm for life extended into many areas: she sang joyfully in the church choir every Sunday, participated in theater and dance during college, and remained active throughout her life—often found at the gym or leading Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops during school nights. Her energy was boundless and her presence unforgettable.

Karyn was deeply loved by her family. She is remembered by her children, their partners, grandchildren, and extended family. Including her son Davin Watne his wife Diana Heise, Her daughter Sabrina Rodriguez and her partner Shannon Strickland, her son Alosha Schweiker and his partner Sharon Willis Brescoach, her daughter Heather Mullins and her husband Jay Mullins, her son John Thomas Marra and his wife Melanie Marra, her daughter Mary-Beth Marra, and her son-in-law Jeff Schlosser. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Aliya Watne; Daphne Watne-Heise; Adira Watne-Heise; Raven Rodriguez; Zander Rodriguez; Alexander Strickland; Seth Mullins; Connor Mullins; Carson Marra; Madden Marra; Zoe Schlosser; Max Schlosser; Alec Watts; Sarah-Jane Watts; and Brandon Rodriguez.

She is also survived by her sister Kathy Brand; nephew Shawn Brand; and nieces Ally and Mai Brand.

Karyn is reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband Thomas Marra and first husband Ross Watne; her daughter Kyra Schlosser; granddaughter Ella-Shay Mullins; brother Robert "Just" Pollard III; parents Robert and Kathleen Pollard; nephew Kenneth Brand; and niece Heather Brand.

To those who knew her, Karyn was more than a mother or grandmother—she was Grammies to all. Her warmth radiated wherever she went. Babies were drawn to her gentle spirit, friends became family under her care, and strangers quickly felt like lifelong companions. She had an uncanny ability to turn any bad day into one filled with laughter and light.

Her memory will live on in every story told by those she touched, every blanket wrapped around a grandchild’s shoulders, and every hymn sung at mass.

May Karyn’s boundless love continues to inspire all who were blessed to know her. A Funeral Mass will be held on December 29, 2 PM at 

Trinity Episcopal Church 1130 1st Ave, Columbus, GA