Healing Through Sisterhood

“Pi Phi is a blessing that came out of sorrow and tragedy,” says Georgia Alpha MARCIA SHURLEY, whose loss of her biological sister, Georgia Alpha KAREN COUSINS , led her to reconnect with our sisterhood at a time when she needed it most. Today, Marcia gives back in a way that both honors Karen and supports Pi Beta Phi’s future success.

As a collegian, Marcia attended the University of Georgia and later joined Pi Beta Phi, following in the footsteps of her older sister. Marcia quickly fell in love with our sisterhood and began building a community around her when a sudden accident occurred. “I was exiting the history building on campus, and the next thing I knew, I was down 22 concrete stairs,” she shares. “I was left with significant bruising, a concussion and a $5,000 hospital bill as an already struggling college student.” Due to financial constraints, Marcia had no choice but to resign from Pi Phi before initiation—even though her love for it endured far beyond her collegiate years.

Thirty years later, Karen began falling ill, and Marcia stepped in as one of her caretakers. Despite the difficulty of the situation, Marcia reflects on moments of joy in caring for her sister, such as when Karen called from the hospital to get approval to eat ice cream, or when the two visited sentimental childhood spots together. Totaling more than 300 nights in several hospitals, Karen suffered various illnesses, spent time in Intensive Care Units and was even placed on life support before passing away on August 26, 2015—just three months before her 60th birthday.

Prior to Karen’s passing, Marcia had been planning a birthday party to celebrate her life and milestone age, but grappling with immense grief and funeral arrangements took priority instead. However, on a drive home from the courthouse trying to probate Karen’s will—a few weeks after her memorial service— Marcia spotted a rainbow stretching across eight lanes of traffic and felt an inexplainable call to celebrate Karen’s birthday as she had previously planned to.

To honor her sister in the most meaningful way possible, Marcia reached out to Karen’s Pi Phi sisters, sending out 56 invitations across the U.S.—42 of them showed up in celebration of Karen. With a beautiful array of pictures, food and music—and the presence of those who meant the most to Karen—the night beamed with love and pure joy. “We all sang happy birthday, shared our personal stories of Karen and laughed until our faces hurt,” Marcia shares. “Everyone was so happy—I felt like I truly honored her.”

Through this party, Marcia met Georgia Alpha PEGGY BATSON BALLARD, a member of the Atlanta, Georgia, Alumnae Club and Georgia Alpha’s Chapter Housing Corporation (CHC) President at the time. Inspired by Marcia’s history with Pi Phi, Peggy offered Marcia the opportunity to become an alumna initiate. Still fragile from the loss of her sister, Marcia was hesitant at first, but after reflecting with her family and realizing she could help other women by becoming a Pi Phi again, she said yes.

Arriving at her initiation in October 2016, Marcia was in awe of the chapter’s heartfelt support. “I saw my friends from Atlanta, friends of Karen’s who came to her birthday party, current collegians and so many other women,” she says. “I was so deeply touched they all cared enough to be there.” Marcia’s initiation brought more abundance into her life than she could’ve imagined—from reconnecting with the sisterhood she loved to Pi Phi becoming a cherished piece of her healing journey. “The beautiful memories, laughter and joy have all helped me through the grieving process.”

Part of Marcia’s motivation to become an alumna initiate was the opportunity to give back to Pi Phi and her community. When she was given the chance to contribute to Georgia Alpha’s Educational Area Grant Program (EAGP)—a giving opportunity aimed at enhancing educational areas in a chapter facility— the choice was clear. In partnership with Pi Beta Phi Foundation and the chapter’s CHC, Georgia Alpha’s EAGP allowed alumnae to make tax-deductible contributions to support the renovation plans. Marcia donated more than $25,000—not only in support of a positive member experience, but also Pi Phi’s future. “It was one of the easiest choices I've ever made,” Marcia says. “I wanted the members to have an even brighter, more beautiful house, but I also wanted Pi Phi to continue to succeed.”

Once Georgia Alpha’s Chapter facility renovations were completed, Marcia and her family attended the house dedication together. Teary-eyed and filled with immense gratitude, Marcia stepped into the chapter room named in memory of Karen for the first time. “I felt like Karen was there with me,” she shares. "I knew she would’ve been truly touched to have such an amazing space for her sisters."

Marcia’s story is a testament to the power of sisterhood—a reminder that when we come together, our impact is lasting in both the communities we serve and the individuals who call Pi Phi home. Through both honoring Karen and ensuring a bright future for Pi Phi, Marcia has found the same sense of belonging she felt from the moment she first joined as a college student. “I didn’t know how much I needed this gift, this chapter or this new sisterhood,” she shares. “My sisters love me not only because I’m Karen Cousin’s sister, but because I’m Marcia Shurley, and that’s a beautiful thing to me.”

Giving to Pi Beta Phi Foundation is a deeply personal choice—one that reflects your own values and dedication to our sisterhood. We encourage you to give back in a way that is meaningful to you.

To explore our range of giving options—including special funds like an EAGP—reach out to fndn@pibetaphi.org to explore the impact you can make.