Margaret Naomi Wright

February 22, 1923, was a cold, brisk morning in Washington, D.C.  On that special day, Margaret Naomi Williams (a.k.a Boobie) was born to Mae and John Williams.  The place of her entry into this world was Freedman’s Hospital which is now known as Howard University Hospital.  When Margaret was a young child, her parents relocated to New York City and then to Englewood, New Jersey, where she spent most of her life.  She had seven siblings, and the six younger ones said Margaret was a second mother to them.  She attended schools in Englewood, and later received her GED from Benton Harbor Area Schools thanks to the assistance of the late Edward Woods, Jr. who was the adult education director. Margaret worked as a nursing assistant and caregiver for most of her life, and she made the lives of many elderly clients comfortable and pleasant during their later years.  Little did Margaret know that this same type of care would be rendered to her during her last years of life. 

In 1956, Margaret joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church and served in many positions such as deaconess, M.V. leader, Sabbath School teacher, home and school leader, vacation bible school coordinator, and hospitality committee member.  As a strong promoter of Christian education, she made certain that her daughters and her grand and great-grandchildren had an opportunity to receive a Christian education.

In 1991, She decided to move from Englewood, New Jersey, to Berrien Springs, Michigan, to assist her daughter, Deborah and son-in-law, with their two young children.  This was a physical move, but her heart was still in New Jersey, and she continually traveled back and forth to Englewood to be with her mother, Mae, her son, Abram, her daughters Cindy and Judy, and the rest of her family.

While living in Berrien Springs, she hosted many dinners and parties.  Her house with the red door was known as a place where family, friends, academy or college students, seminarians, pastors, conference presidents, and even strangers would find a delectable meal or a place of repose. “And Potato Salad?”  Oh wow!  She was the “hostess with the mostess” who was the queen of that cuisine.  Ask anyone who made the best potato salad and the unanimous response would always be Aunt Margaret.

In the early 2000’s, Margaret’s memory began to wane, and she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia.  This condition, however, was stable enough for her to live alone for many years, but eventually she needed the assistance of a part time caregiver. In 2021, the disease had progressed to the point where she needed total care.  At that time, her new residence became the Wedgewood Pines Assisted Living Home, and she remained there until her passing on December 15, 2024. 

Margaret loved her family, and will always be remembered as a sweet, generous, unselfish, independent, sharp-looking, Godly woman with lots of spunk, and with a spirit of love for all people regardless of race, religion, social status, economic condition, or political beliefs.

Margaret was proceeded in death by her parents; Mae and John Williams, her husband; Abram Wright, son; Abram Wright, Jr., sisters; Lily Mae (Leroy Smith), Barbara (Harry Moore), brothers; John Jr. (Ismay Williams), James (Margaret Williams), Willie, Charles, and sister-in-law; Bessie Williams.  She is survived by her children; Deborah (Alvin Davis), Cindy (Cornell Satterfield), Judy Williams, grandchildren; Mark (Keya Williams), Michele (Segun Ishmael), Alvin Davis, Jr, great-grandchildren; Mark Williams, Jr., Jayden Davis-Ishmael, brother; Harry (Phyllis Williams), sister-in law; Lara Williams, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Naomi Wright, please visit our floral store.