In Memoriam: Margaret Gray Towne
It is with deep sadness that I report the passing of Margaret Gray Towne on May 7, 2024.
Margaret earned two degrees in biology from the University of Michigan and attended Princeton Theological Seminary, where she met her husband, Verne. Together, they raised two daughters and served their church community with adult education courses, women’s groups and Bible study.
Later in life, Margaret earned her doctorate at Montana State University, where her research centered on creationism and evolution.
I strongly recommend her book Honest to Genesis: A Biblical and Scientific Challenge to Creationism (2003) to everyone, especially those who feel great discomfort attempting to reconcile their faith with modern scientific ideas. I highly recommend the Preface to Margaret’s book. She tells her audience not only the purpose and value of the book, but her own faith and science journey, which is both emotionally moving and intellectually valuable.
Margaret served the science and faith community in many capacities, including years of dedicated service on PASTCF’s Executive Board as well as a contributor to SciTech†. Margaret was also active for many years with the American Scientific Affiliation, serving as the editor of its newsletter.
An obituary notes Margaret was “Always quick with a smile or to share a silly pun, her loss will be felt by many, including her daughters, sons-in-law, sister, and church family across the country. Her loved ones take comfort in knowing she is enjoying life everlasting and is reunited with her husband who passed away last year.”
I will miss Margaret’s voice. Her ideas deserve to live for a very long time. I will close with the Scripture that Margaret gave me in her autographed copy of Honest to Genesis:
“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it – the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:2-3, NIV)
Wes McCoy, SciTech† Editorial Board
Addition to SciTech† Editorial Board
The SciTech† editorial board welcomes Rev. Kerra Becker English as its newest member. Kerra is a member of the Presbytery of the James and recently served as Covenant Pastor at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, Richmond, Virginia.
