The Board of Directors and staff of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) express our deep sadness with the passing of Dr. Nathie Marbury on April 15, 2013. Dr. Marbury, or “Nathie” as she was affectionately known was a long time supporter of the NAD and served as an appointed board member under two presidents, Dr. Roz Rosen (1990-1992) and Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins (2006-2008).
Nathie was born in Grenada, Mississippi in 1944 but grew up in Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in 1962. In 1975, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Gallaudet University. She then received her two Master of Arts degrees in 1976 from California State University at Northridge (CSUN), one in Administration and Supervision and the other in Special Education. Nathie pursued doctoral coursework in applied linguistics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and earned her doctoral degree in 2007 specializing Deaf studies/Deaf education at Lamar University.
Nathie was a true pioneer at heart. She became the first Black deaf woman to enter the National Leadership Training Program for the Deaf at California State University, Northridge. Not only that, she was also the first Black deaf female instructor at the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School for the Deaf, 1978-1986. That wasn’t enough for Nathie, she was also the first Black deaf woman to serve on the NAD board as an appointed Member-at-Large with Dr. Rosen as President.
Past President Rosen shared her sentiments, “Nathie brought to the NAD her 1,000 wattage smile and personality as well as her terrific networks nation-wide. She helped to connect Deaf people of all ages and ethnicities to the NAD and to ensure that the NAD reached out to everyone in authentic and meaningful ways.”
“Nathie was truly one of a kind human being who truly brought out the best in each of us, whether it be at a board meeting or a family dinner together.” Past President Scoggins stated. “Her love for people, giggles and laughter are what I will always remember about her.”
“I had the opportunity to know Nathie when we both served on the NAD Board. She was loving, inspirational, and always with a smile. She always knew how to brighten everyone’s day. We will all miss her deeply,” stated NAD President Christopher Wagner. “Because of Nathie’s strong values and beliefs, Nathie has built her own legacy in our Deaf community that she so richly deserves.”
If you do a Google search about Nathie, you will see countless hits about her passion for American Sign Language teaching. Her incredible personality and contributions to the field inspired many to appreciate the language. She has been known for her big heart for the deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students who took her classes and spent countless hours mentoring many. Besides sharing valuable knowledge through many classes, workshops, and presentations – many enjoyed her humor.
NAD CEO Howard A. Rosenblum thanks Nathie for, “making the world a better place with her advocacy and passion towards American Sign Language. Her presence with us will not be forgotten.”
The NAD extends their deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.