Dr. Marihope Shirey Troutman Flatt

Marihope Shirey Troutman Flatt, 88, of Newnan, formerly of Atlanta, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, at her home, Wesley Woods, in Newnan, Georgia. Marihope was born on October 7, 1937, to Mr. and Mrs. Hope Shirey (Frances) of the Welcome community in Coweta County, Georgia. Marihope attended Welcome Elementary and graduated from Newnan High School in 1955. Driven academically, she earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia, her M.S. from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and returned to Athens for her Ed.S. and Ed.D. at the University of Georgia. Marihope received several honors, including the College of Family and Consumer Sciences' "Most Outstanding Alumni," a Fulbright Fund Scholarship for travel to Japan, and a Delta Kappa Gamma State Scholarship. She also served as president of the University of Georgia's Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni Association. Marihope's career in education was long-lived. She worked for Atlanta Public Schools (APS) from 1964 to 1999, serving as a classroom teacher, Vocational Department Chair, and Vocational Curriculum Specialist, and she co-authored History of Vocational Home Economics in the Secondary Public Schools from 1917-1986. Marihope married Gerald Stevenson Troutman (Jerry) on August 19, 1959. They lived in Atlanta, where Jerry first served as the minister at St. John's Lutheran Church, and Marihope worked for Atlanta Public Schools. When she was not busy with her career, she was very active in the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, where she was elected a delegate to the National Triennial Convention, Lutheran Church Women (LCW), Chairperson, West Georgia District (LCW), superintendent of Vacation Bible School, church choir, and Sunday School teacher. Being a minister's wife and then the wife of the Bishop of the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, she was put to work! Marihope's priority was her family. She and Jerry had three children, Steve, Lee, and Frances. She enjoyed being active in their lives, serving as President of the Fernbank Elementary PTA, Vice President of the Druid Hills High School PTA, Cub Scout den mother, and an encourager to her sons as they pursued and earned their Eagle Scout rank. After retiring from APS and moving to Newnan to be closer to two of her children and several of her grandchildren, Marihope continued her dedication to education by becoming involved in the local school system. She was elected to the Coweta County School Board, where she served for four years. During her tenure, Marihope contributed to the planning and construction of the Centre' for the Visual & Performing Arts. In 2006, she enjoyed returning to the classroom, becoming involved with the EIP program at several Coweta County elementary schools, where she served until 2009. Marihope had a love of fashion. She often designed and made her own dresses, which Frances wore to prom and in the Miss Druid Hills Pageant. Besides sewing, her hobbies included investing in the stock market, attending exercise classes at Piedmont Newnan Fitness Center in downtown Newnan, and playing bridge. As her children married and started their families, being a grandparent was everything to her. Marihope shared her love of music, cooking, and sewing with her grandchildren. When she babysat, she tried to hone her grandchildren's life skills while they were in her care. Marihope (Mimi) was keen on etiquette, grammar, and manners, to the delight of her children, as she helped them learn everyday graces. Marihope lost her beloved husband, Jerry, in 2012. Several years later, a friend and a staff member from UGA's College of Family and Consumer Sciences asked her if she would be interested in meeting a widower friend from the department. The meeting took place, and not long after, she married Dr. Bill Flatt, former Dean of Agriculture of the University of Georgia. Marihope was blessed to have another fine gentleman to enjoy life with. In celebration of Marihope's life, visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson Street, Newnan, Georgia, 30263, from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM. Additionally, a private family service will be held on May 28, 2026, at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta. Marihope was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands, Jerry and Bill. She is survived by her three children, Gerald Stevenson Troutman Jr. (Miriam), Lee Shirey Troutman (Nan), and Frances Troutman Harris; grandchildren, Lee Russell Troutman and Steven Grady Troutman; Kathleen Shirey Troutman Carter (Travis), Mary Turner Troutman, Lawson Brown Harris (Ally), Isabelle Troutman Harris; great-grandchildren, Mary Emma Carter, and William Troutman Carter. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.mckoon.com. Rather than flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS). To donate, please visit https://www.fcs.uga.edu/alumni/how-to-give for instructions on giving to the department through the UGA Foundation. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

Dr. Marihope Shirey Troutman Flatt

October 7, 1937 - May 15, 2026