Denton and Linda– Mrs. Marks, as I will always remember her from having been a Latin student of hers for 4 years at East High School, was a teacher, and a scholar. Her knowledge of her subject matter was exceptional, and her ability to teach was exceeded only by her passion for teaching. I was so lucky to have been a student of hers. The foundation of her teaching me Latin was the foundation which I carried with me for 4 years at Brown, where I was a French language major. Not surprisingly after being a 4-year Latin student, I was well prepared to attain a high level of skill in French language and civilization. Apart from being a wonderful teacher, Mrs. Marks was a wonderful and loving person. I always greatly enjoyed my visits with her over the years since my graduation from East High in 1966. She had a great sense of humor and a very keen mind, both of which she shared generously. I always think that anyone who has mastered a second language well enough to teach it to others is an artist. As much as any artist that I know, Mrs. Marks appreciated Latin literature as only a language artist can do, and though it wasn’t clear to me at the time, it’s clear to me now: Mrs. Marks didn’t just teach Latin as a language–often thought of as a “dead language”. She taught an appreciation for the classical world–and especially the Roman world–that was dignified and respectful, and–yes–highly sophisticated. The work that she inspired her students to undertake in the classroom, and at home after school, paid big dividends. After 4 years of serious study with Mrs. Marks, anyone was ready to enter a lifetime of civilized thought, literary appreciation, personal integrity, and a keen historical sensitivity. She was a great friend for my mother Rubye and my sister Carol–(who was also a student of Mrs. Marks), and we will all miss her greatly, as will surely many others.
