Matawan Alumna Who Wrote High School Alma Mater Anthem Dies at 89

Marjorie Close Potter, 89, passed away on Friday, April 17 at Bayshore Community Hospital, according to an obituary on app.com.

She was born Marjorie Warwick on Dec. 30, 1922 in Long Branch. Marjorie grew up in Matawan and attended Matawan Regional High School. According to a high school document, the Matawan Regional High School Alma Mater, still sung today, was written by Marjorie in 1938. Classmate Arris Banke wrote the music to go along with the words. Both were in the class of 1939.

The alma mater anthem goes as follows:

Hail Alma Mater, of thee we sing
Our lifted voices, your praises ring
We'll cherish you and add to your fame
Always and ever we'll uphold your name.

Though other thoughts may change with times
Duty to you is foremost in our minds
Down through the years winning honors anew
We'll all be loyal Matawan to you.

According to the obituary, Marjorie traveled the country in 1953 with famous harpist and teacher Mildred Dilling. With Dilling, she had the opportunity to meet many influential people, including Harpo Max and President Truman.

She went on to marry Charles "Chuck" Potter in 1964 and lived a long a happy life, the obituary says.