Margaret Horton

Born May 22, 1939, in Lenoir North Carolina, Margaret Ann was the third child of William Spencer Patterson and Margaret Hickerson Patterson.

She attended Freedman School in Lenoir, graduating as valedictorian and senior class president. She was the third Black woman admitted to the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina. She graduated with honors in 1961, earning a BA in English.  Further studies included a masters degree from Syracuse University and post-graduate studies at Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, and Xavier University of Cincinnati.

On December 29, 1962, Margaret married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Harold André Horton. Margaret and Harold raised her three daughters who were taught to prioritize academic achievement, spirituality and family values. She was a doting “Grammy” to each of her four grandchildren.

Margaret began her professional career as an English teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina, and over a period of 44 years, she was an educator in Columbus, OH; Syracuse, NY; and Cincinnati, OH. She retired as an Assistant Principal.

A constant throughout Margaret’s adult life was her commitment to public service and her work with youth, both in and outside of the classroom. She was a member and leader in several women’s organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta, The Links, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction and The Women’s Alliance.

Margaret was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church. She was married at Smith Memorial UMC in Lenoir, NC and went on to become a youth leader at Gaines UMC in Cincinnati, OH. During the last decade of her life, she treasured being a choir member at St. James UMC in Alpharetta, GA.

In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Harold; and brother, Spencer Patterson. She is survived by her daughters Helisa Horton Whitley (Kyle), Sara Lanell Horton Kupers (Larry), Marla Horton Cureton (Bernard); sister Sara Patterson Roach (Peter); grandchildren Kayla Margaret Whitley , Christopher Horton Whitley, Alana Margaret Cureton, Nina Francesca Marguerite Kupers, and a multitudes of nieces, nephews and cousins.