Margaret Thompson

Margaret Thompson Obituary

A Time to Be Born

Margaret Lee Byrd Thompson was born on June 1,1937, in Hartsville, South Carolina. She was the second child of the late Clarence and Inez Davis Byrd Sr. On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, God added another “Beautiful Rose” to His heavenly garden. The love and devotion Margaret showed to her family, friends, and community will truly be missed; her shining light and presence will forever be remembered. At an early age, Margaret was reared in a home where God was a priority. She joined the Green Hill Baptist Church in Hartsville, SC, where she began her Christian journey and faithfully served in many areas of the church.

 A Time to Learn

Margaret graduated from Butler High School in 1955. With passion for education and helping others, she pursued a career in Early Childhood Development. She began her formal secondary education at Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina, and later transferred to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, where she proudly became a Benedict Tiger and earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. 

A Time to Plant

After graduating in 1960, Margaret began her teaching career with the Coweta County School System at Howard Warner High School. There, she taught multiple subjects and served as the girls’ basketball coach for four years. Grounded in her parents’ teachings to remain connected to God, she joined Mount Vernon Baptist Church and later Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, where she faithfully served.

Margaret earned her master’s degree in early childhood development from West Georgia College in 1977. She devoted more than 36 years to education, primarily at Ruth Hill Elementary. She made history as the first African American Lead Teacher in Coweta County and was named Teacher of the Year twice at White Oak Elementary. Through innovative learning experiences and memorable field trips, Margaret inspired generations of students across Coweta and Meriwether Counties, leaving a lasting educational legacy.

 A Time to Love

In 1960, upon arriving in Newnan, Georgia, Margaret met the love of her life, Mr. Starling Matthew Thompson Sr. In December 1961, Margaret and Starling exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony. Their union was blessed with two loving and devoted sons, Starling Jr. and Jason.

 A Time to Live

Margaret thoroughly enjoyed life. She cherished family time and loved traveling, cooking, baking, and fishing. She had a passion for football, basketball and a special love for her community. She was actively involved in civic and social organizations, including The Orchette’s Civic and Social Club, the Christian Savings Club, the 5th District Georgia Funeral Service Practitioner Association, and Coweta County Voter Registration.

 Margaret served as a Past Matron in Newnan Chapter #483 O.E.S and Past District Matron in Lagrange District #15. She was instrumental in starting the Annual MLK Parade in Newnan, GA, and served on the parade committee for many years. She was also a member of the Order of the Golden Circle, Annie B. Gibbons Assembly No. 367A Orient of Georgia Valley of Newnan, where she served as Past LLR and P/AC.

 Margaret had an unwavering commitment to her civic organizations and community, always working to help others and encourage them to achieve their dreams. She touched countless lives by shaping them beyond imagination. She never met a stranger, spreading love and cheered on everyone she met with her big, loving smile.

 A Time to Cherish

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Starling M. Thompson Sr.; her son, Starling Jr.; her parents, Clarence and Inez D. Byrd; her sister, Minnie L.B. Jackson; and her brothers, Eugene Byrd and Clarence L. Byrd Jr.

Margaret leaves a legacy of caring, a legacy of love, and countless memories to be cherished by her beautiful family: loving son, Jason Thompson of Newnan, GA; daughter-in-law, Phyllis Thompson of Hampton, GA.; grandchildren Alaina Thompson Leanear(Keshawn) of Newnan, GA; Jashon Thompson of Newnan, GA; and Starlis Thompson of Hampton, GA. great-grandchildren, Alora and Keilan; one brother, Major L. Byrd, Hartsville, SC; three sisters, Betty A. Mack(Alva) of Darlington, SC, Janie L.B. Washington (Robbie), and Elzenia J. Johnson of Hartsville, SC; a dear sister Octavia J. Mahone; one sister-in-law, Helen R. Byrd of Hartsville, SC; godchildren, Pamela Jackson, Marsha Thompson, Arthaniel Turner (Lila), Jackie Flowers(Henry) and Andre Mack(Erika); a special son, Calvin Arnold Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Final Care entrusted to McCoy Funeral Home Manchester, GA Ph.706-846-2019  mccoyfuneralcare.com

Assisted by Roscoe Jenkins Funeral Home Newnan, GA